But with that in mind, Petrie suggests parents consider certain aspects about a school when narrowing down their top choices. Here are some things to consider that Petrie has kindly outlined:
- Teacher-student ratio: “To some degree this is something that is mandated by state regulations in America. It is based on the type of care environment (home-based care provider or child care center), and the ages of the children. Within those parameters, a parent must then decide. For any number of reasons some children thrive in busy environments, others in more sedate ones.” (Editor's note: According to the Department of Education report “Building Strong Foundations for Early Learning,” researchers found that smaller class sizes and teacher-child ratios, especially for the very, early years, are beneficial. “Class size and adult-child ratios are related to learning outcomes. Low ratios allow more interaction and individualization. Small group size encourages more extended language opportunities, child-initiated learning and exploration and problem solving.” )
- Turnover of teachers/directors: “There is no doubt that high turnover is typical in this field. Sadly, society doesn't seem to value the role of the child care provider as much as say, the professional baseball player. There is also no doubt that high turnover takes its toll on even the most well adjusted, easy-to-transition child. It also makes relationships between families and caregivers hard to build. If a child care facility has low turnover, then this is definitely of great value and it is very telling.”
- Education levels of teachers: “This is also regulated to some degree. Generally, in the states, the level of education of home-based providers tends to be less sophisticated or less related specifically to childhood development than that of center providers. What I have gleaned from my experience this past year as a loan coordinator for Child Care Programs (we lend to the riskier start-up type child care businesses that a bank may reject) is that many home-based providers were simply parents of young children who were dissatisfied with the child care options available to their own children so started doing it themselves as a way to earn money and stay home with their children. Also, the wages/benefits provided to center providers tend to be higher, therefore the more educated are easier to recruit and retain. Again here, the parent may prefer the child be in a smaller, home-like environment, or may prefer the reportability and surveillance that comes with care at a center.”
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