Living History Worldwide

The after school care workers are going to need a little extra patience these next few days. As children and students across the country have been off of school for the last two to three weeks, the after school care assistants and classroom teachers are preparing to welcome students back to the routine in 2017. From infants in daycare setting to young preschool and elementary students, the transition back after a long break can be a challenge. The best preschool and daycare settings, however, are able to help children of all ages feel welcome and make the best transitions.

• We all wish that we could keep our children with us all of the time. Unfortunately, when we go to our jobs we need to find a safe, caring, and educational place for our children.
• Every day that you enter your child’s daycare you should feel welcome and secure.
• Little ones benefit from routine. Making the transition after back after a long holiday can take extra patience.
• Choosing an infant care center can be especially difficult. For first time parents the challenge is to find a location that is nurturing, very clean, and inspiring. Make sure that you make several visits at different times of the day to make sure that that you have found the best option.
• Only 60% of kindergarten programs in America are open for full-day enrollees. This means that many families find themselves paying for private kindergarten settings that offer a full day program.
• More than 66% of Americans indicate that they think the government or businesses should be doing more to help fund child care for working parents.
• Early years matter. Did you know, for instance, that in the first few years of life 700 new neural connections are formed every second.
• Staff members at your daycare center should love their jobs. This is one way to judge how a center operates. Happy employees stick around longer and make for a more consistent environment for children of all ages.






• Almost 25% of children under the age of five are in some form of organized child care arrangement. These include day care centers, nurseries, and preschools.
• No more than 33% of children today have a full-time, stay-at-home parent. This statistic compares to 1975, only a generation ago, when more than 50% of all children had a stay-at-home parent, typically a mother.
• Dependable staff members do not use their personal technology during the day. Are the children the focus of the after school care programs that you are considering.






• Toddlers need to have teachers who have both energy and patience.
• Reading aloud to children helps stimulate a child’s brain development. Unfortunately, only 50% of infants and toddlers are routinely read to by their parents. Does the center you are considering
• Always keep an open line of communication with your after school care staff. They are the people who see your children right after they finish the school day.
• Nap time for infants should provide a peaceful atmosphere that is consistent as possible.
• Spots in after school care programs can be difficult to get in many school districts. Parents may find that they need to get their name on a list as soon as possible.
• Infants enjoy stimulating and predictable environments. When you are looking at possible daycare settings for your infant look for low to the ground mirrors and bookshelves.
• Teachers should be well trained in early childhood education and have any other necessary training as well. For instance, if your child is at a Montessori center they staff should be certified through a national Montessori training program.
• Is your after school care program or daycare center tolerant of absences and varied pick up and drop off times?
• Only you can be a judge of a daycare or after school setting is right for your child. You can read all the books you want and check off all of the items on a list of what to look for, but if you do not feel good about the location you should trust your instincts.
• Never forget to thank the workers who care for your children.
• Save some patience for tomorrow morning’s drop off, especially if it is the first time back after a long holiday break!