Re: How do we know what works for what child?

From: Nina Sazer O'Donnell
Email: nina.sazerodonnell@gmail.com
Date: February 15, 2006

Comments

Hi Jessica:

Great question ! It's ultimately a very personal decision - there are many great guides that describe what to look for in terms of how rooms are set up, what program elements are offered and what the program's goals are. I would suggest you contact your local child care resource and referral agency or check in with Child Care Aware, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and/or the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which all have wonderful web sites with lots of information about these basics.

But the bottom line is that once you make sure a program is safe, healthy and has the best kinds of activities and learning opportunities available, you really need to choose the setting that feels right to you. And that often boils down to how you and your child connect with the staff.

Based on the research about early learning, you should look for teachers who are learners themselves, about their own learning and children's learning and who you and your child feel good to be around. It's a challenging and often daunting process to figure this out and I would encourage you to visit many programs to get a sense of how they feel to you.

I hope this helps and good luck in your seach!

Nina