Working parents make many important decisions, but one of the most important is choosing after school care in Pittsburgh, PA. While many factors are at play, a checklist is a great place to begin. Start by making a list of desired services and products in order of priority. When all factors are considered, the most costly center may not be the best choice, and the cheapest one may be better than expected.
The Parent’s Wish List
Parents must determine whether the children will need part-time, full-time, or after-school care. Some centers cater to young children and infants, while others serve multiple age groups with varying activities and programs. Before calling local care centers or looking online, parents should draw up a list of must-haves from a potential day care center.
Certification and Licensing
Most care centers, including in-home day cares, must be inspected and licensed before accepting children. In some areas, ongoing inspections insure the centers meet state standards. Consider the following.
Whether the center displays a current license. If the license isn’t visible, the parent should ask. If the manager is reluctant to show it, look elsewhere.
Whether workers are certified. Most centers require staff members to be certified and to take courses to update or enhance skills. Typically, certificates are displayed in the office or common area. Verify the credentials if necessary.
First Impressions Matter
As most people know, first impressions are crucial-;and nowhere does this apply more than in a center for after school care in Pittsburgh, PA. While day care centers need not be filled with expensive toys and equipment, they should be well-kept and clean. The number of amenities isn’t as important as how they’re used, and children should enjoy playing with the toys and with each other. The center should be adequately staffed for the number of kids in its care, and staff should seem genuinely interested in interacting with the children.
While it’s unrealistic to expect perfect harmony on every visit, parents should pay attention to their first impressions and the child’s reaction to each center. Look for a center with a solid after-school program, like ABC’s For Children; that has a range of enrichment opportunities to reinforce what the children learn in school.
