Apr 06, 2023
How to choose a daycare in Vancouver
If you’ve recently moved or are planning to move to Vancouver with young children, finding the right child care solution is likely at the top of your list.
Whether this is your first time looking for a daycare, or you are transitioning your child to a new daycare in Vancouver, this article is for you. Let’s dive in.
Types of Day Care Options In Vancouver
There are three primary types of day care options in Vancouver. You can choose between child care co-operatives, child card in someone’s home, or a child care center. The choice mostly depends on your budget, personal preferences, and availability.
Child care co-operatives
Child care cooperatives in Vancouver provide a unique solution to the growing demand for affordable and accessible child care. Operating as non-profit organizations, these cooperatives are owned and managed by participating parents who share the responsibilities of providing care for their children. Through collaboration and shared resources, these parents are able to create a safe and nurturing environment while also reducing the costs associated with traditional child care. While there are challenges to running a child care cooperative, such as balancing schedules and maintaining open communication, the benefits can outweigh the difficulties.
Child care in someone’s home
Opting for in-home child care eliminates some of the challenges that come with traditional daycare centers. In Vancouver, you can find numerous qualified caregivers who offer their services in their own homes – providing an ideal environment for your child’s growth and development. Working with a professional caregiver who is licensed with the province allows parents to rest easy knowing their children are in safe hands. Child care in a home environment often has less children and can have a better caregiver to child ratio, which is a benefit for many parents.
Child care centre
Vancouver offers many different type of child care centers that provide high-quality care, differing educational programs, and engaging activities for children of all ages. Whether you’re seeking a daycare, preschool, or after-school program, Vancouver has a variety of options from which to choose. Official websites can provide you with a list of licensed schools in your area.
Consider your family’s needs
There is no doubt that your family will have specific needs for child care. Location, hours of operation, and cost are all important aspects to take into account. Finding a daycare that is conveniently located near your home or workplace can make drop-offs and pick-ups much easier. To avoid logistical issues, you may want to choose a daycare that offers later pick-ups, or earlier drop-offs, depending on your schedule. Cost is of course an important aspect as well. Some child car centers or at home providers offer different rates depending on demand and services provided.
Visit each daycare
Visiting a day care prior to making a choice is critical step in determining which center is the right one for your child. During your visit, take note of things like cleanliness, organization, and how the children are interacting with each other and their caregivers. Additionally, be sure to schedule a meeting with the staff members to get to know them and ask questions. Ultimately, selecting the right daycare is all about finding a place where you feel comfortable and confident leaving your child during the day. A thorough visit will help you make the right decision.
Understand the daycare teaching style
Child care centers and at home teachers have different approaches to activities and teaching young children. Whether it’s Montessori, Waldorf Steiner, or Reggio Emilia, you’ll want to understand what these teaching styles are, and to ask questions about the curriculum of the day care you’re interested in so you can be sure it properly aligns with your wishes for child development. It’s also a good idea to inquire about their approach to discipline, and what credentials and experience the teachers are required to have at a particular daycare.
Enquire about catering
A child’s diet plays a vital role in their growth and development, and it is essential that they receive a nutritious and balanced diet to ensure their health and wellbeing. What kind of food options are available? What is the focus? Is the food prepared in-house or via an outside catering company? If it’s a catering company, what experience do they have preparing meals for children? Are they licensed? Inquiring about the catering options can give you peace of mind in knowing your children are receiving healthy and nutritious meals.
Check references from other parents
Ideally, you’ll have heard about the different child care solutions from a fellow parent. Parents can give you a better understanding of the daycare’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall reputation. If you don’t have a direct recommendation, reach out to other parents and ask. If you don’t know anyone with children, try and do your own research online to see what other parents are saying about the day care you are considering. Doing this research can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve made an informed decision that prioritizes your child’s well-being.
A quick summary on choosing a daycare
If you just moved to Vancouver, finding the right daycare, preschool or after-school program for your child can be a daunting process. It’s important to research each option carefully and visit them in person before making any decisions. Consider factors such as location, hours of operation and cost when researching potential options. Additionally, understand the teaching style that is used at each center and inquire about catering services and teacher qualifications. Finally, seek advice from other parents who have already gone through this process to ensure you make an informed decision based on their experiences. With careful consideration and thoughtful planning, you can find the perfect environment where your children will thrive while they are away from home during the day!
