Child Care Creation: Understanding The Fundamentals

Which child care center is the right choice for your newborn? You're a first-time parent with a new baby—and you're ready to go back to work. If you're not sure which type of daycare is the best option, take a look at what you need to know about early learning environments and infants.

What Age Can A Baby Go To Daycare?

The answer to this question depends on the center. But most programs will not enroll a very young newborn. This means you shouldn't expect to put your child into care the week of or right after their birth. Instead, most centers start enrolling infants at or around six weeks of age. If you need care before the six-week mark, you may need to start with a nanny or sitter and then transition into a full-time child care program in a few weeks/months.

Do All Centers Provide the Same Type of Care for Infants?

Simply stated, no. The type of care, quality of care, and number of hours of care vary by center. Some programs use a standardized infant curriculum or follow an educational philosophy (such as Montessori preschool), while others may have a more individualized approach. To learn more about each of your baby's would-be potential daycare centers and the program for infants, talk to the director. The center director can help you to better understand the school's methods and approach to education, developmental activities, care, and supervision. 

Along with the overriding type of program/educational philosophy, child care centers also vary by the amount of care they offer. A full-time center provides Monday through Friday infant care. The hours of care also depend on the center's choices. But many provide morning through early evening options. Some centers may also offer or only have part-time care. This is care on specific days of the week at specific times. A part-time program may include only mornings, only afternoons, or one/two/three/four-day-a-week schedules.

Who Cares for Infants In An Early Childhood Program?

Teachers and staff members in licensed daycare centers must meet minimum education and experience guidelines to work with infants. These requirements vary by state and could include a specific type of degree (such as early childhood education or child development), a minimum number of years working directly with infants, or a combination of both. 

Some centers employ more than just lead teachers. Unlike school-aged children, infants require more than one adult in every classroom. According to the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, the minimum adult-to-child ratio for classrooms with infants 12 months or under is one to three. This means for every three babies, the center should have at least one qualified adult staff member. Along with a lead teacher, these staff members may include teacher's assistants or other similar paraprofessionals. 

For more information, contact a local child care center.