Reliable daily care is becoming a requirement for more families each year, as fewer U.S. families can have a caretaker at home on a full-time basis. Fortunately, the number of such services is increasing at a similar rate, as is the spectrum of services offered. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 56% of families with infants and toddlers have some degree of difficulty finding childcare. How do you choose the right space for your child? Keep reading to find the most supportive preschools near you.
Start Looking Early
One of the keys to a successful search is to begin looking when all options are still available. The best daycare centers fill up fast, and you don’t want to limit your possibilities. If you find a center that intrigues you, ask them about how early you need to get in the queue for a chance to be admitted. When in doubt, start earlier than you think. It may sting in the short term to pay multiple deposits, but doing everything you can to get your children in the right service will make a big difference in the long run.
Learn from Other Parents
In all likelihood, your community has one or more social media pages with families similar to yours. Through these forums, you can ask other parents about their experiences with preschool. Beyond simply looking at online reviews, which is important, you can talk to real people and ask them questions. You can find families with comparable needs and discuss specific services and instructors. If several parents in your community mention the same teacher in a positive light, that’s a great sign.
Make In-Person Visits
Even if you’ve started looking early and talked with other parents, your job isn’t finished until you’ve made in-person visits to several different daily care centers. By visiting many, you can get a good idea of which facilities are of the highest quality. You will naturally feel a more welcoming and positive atmosphere in some. You will engage with many teachers and get a good idea of the right personality fit for your child. Do not skip this step; visit in person and trust your gut!
Getting your child into a positive, supportive preschool is possible if you follow these outlined steps. If you live in the Doral, FL area, contact a school near you for more information today.