Choosing a Daycare-Part 2

Health and Well Being:

1. How much out door activity will your child get?  Even a young child could benefit from being in the elements at least ½ if not a full hour each day.  Sunlight resets our sleep/wake rhythm, provides vitamin D, and increase serotonin production (mood).  Humans are exposed to more toxins and allergens in an enclosed indoor environment then being outdoors.  Carpet, wood flooring, paint, sofa cushions, cleaning supplies, and all things plastic contribute to sick building syndrome which is associated with headache, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentration, etc.  Most day cares will take the children out twice a day spring, summer, and fall, but will stay indoors if there is any rain and throughout the winter months.  So if being outdoors is important to you, ask about it specifically.  There are clothing suppliers (see resources page) who can provide all the weathering needs of your child, rain or snow.

   1. What does your caregiver provide as meals & snacks?  Are you happy as long as your child is eating something?  Do you want your child to be exposed to a variety for foods?  Do you have time to provide a balanced nutritious meal at home or do you count on daycare to provide most of the nutrients?  Do you want home cooked meals?  Organic?  Will your daycare accommodate food sensitivities?  Many children have food sensitivities and it affects their immunity, skin, behaviour, energy, focus, bowel movement, sleep, potty training, and the list goes on.  It is not something to be ignored, if your child does have food challenges.

   2. What about vaccination?  Have you fully or just partially vaccinated your child?  Are you comfortable sending your child to a daycare where some of the other children are not vaccinated?  Daycare will ask for vaccination records, but most York Region daycare will accept a vaccine objection form in place of vaccination record.  If your daycare insists on your child to be vaccinated, it is in the minority.

   3. Does your caregiver have a set routine that she and all the children follow daily?  This is especially important if you choose to have live-in nannies.  Part time and live-in nannies are rarely trained in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and they set their day according to the child’s and parents’ schedules.  Children generally thrive on routine/rhythm.  According to today’s developmental psychologists, including Dr. Gordon Neufeld; of the children who are given too much control over decision making, some will become easily anxious, while others may become bullies.