Chicago Baby - Fall 2008 - (Page 25) CPR and First Aid training and amount of time spent with this center in particular. Also, make sure that the center is licensed by the state and, if possible, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. “This is definitely an indicator of quality,” Maniatis says. After establishSixty-two ing these basics, Maniatis tells parpercent of Illinois ents to ask about families with kids 5 and the program under are using some itself, such as the type of child care. fees, days off (for backup purposes), policies and procedures (like sick children, unannounced visits, end of the day pick-up) and curriculum. Ask specifically about babies, as many centers don’t accept children before they are 2 and assure that they don’t just let infants sleep all day. Instead, staff should actively engage them in activities that help with development, like vision and interaction. “Infants take more attention and time,” Maniatis says. WE PAY YOU FOR YOUR OPINIONS! Join our database for the opportunity to participate in Focus Group Surveys. Research Discussions are professionally conducted, strictly confidential, NEVER involve any sales. CONG www.focuscope.com or call Nora at 708-386-5086 Oak Park To join the Focuscope Database: NEW MOMS! TULA RA Making a final decision When approaching new centers, Maniatis tells parents to split their needs into two lists—an A-list, or things that they cannot negotiate on, and a B-list, or things that would be a bonus. That way, parents only consider centers that comply with the A-list and use the B-list to decide between two great programs. For instance, an A-list item may be a minimum number of years of experience, while a B-list item may be knowledge of a second language. Maniatis also says to ask questions about the center’s safety and to take time to observe it for yourself. “Get on the level of the children where they will experience the environment,” she says. Maniatis cautions against a few red flags that may come up during interviews and the first few weeks your baby is at a new facility. If children are getting hurt often or if the center doesn’t allow parents to drop in during the day, proceed with caution. For a complete list of suggested questions or to speak with a child care specialist, contact Illinois Action for Children at (312) 823-1100 or ask your pediatrician. Oftentimes, though, you know best what will work for your baby. “We definitely tell them to go number one with their gut feeling,” Maniatis says. “If something doesn’t feel good, it’s probably not.” Downtown Chicago The Lily Garden Child Development Center serving infants through 5 years of age Excellent curriculum that incorporates a playbased program philosophy Full-Time, Part-Time, or Drop-in Child Care 830 S. Addison Ave. Villa Park, IL 60181 630.261.6283 50% off Enrollment Fee (Reg. $100) With this coupon. Offer good on first time enrollment only. Offer expires 1/1/2009 TI ONS www.eastersealslilygarden.org Laura Schocker is a Chicago Parent intern. ChicagoParent.com | Fall 2008 | 25 http://www.ChicagoParent.com
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