Making the Transition to Daycare: What Every Parent Should Know
Choosing daycare for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Whether you’re returning to work or seeking socialization opportunities for your little one, understanding what to expect can ease the transition for both you and your child. At Soans Christian Academy, we’ve been caring for children since 2011, and we’re here to guide you through what quality daycare looks like.
A Typical Day at Our Daycare
Every day at a quality daycare follows a structured routine designed to provide consistency while allowing flexibility for individual needs:
Morning Routine (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Arrival & Greeting: Personal check-in with teachers, health screening
- Free Play: Children engage in self-directed activities while others arrive
- Breakfast: Nutritious meal served family-style (if applicable)
Learning Time (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Circle Time: Songs, stories, calendar activities
- Hands-On Learning: Age-appropriate activities using Creative Curriculum methodology
- Outdoor Play: Gross motor development and fresh air
Midday & Afternoon (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Lunch: Balanced meals with social interaction
- Nap/Quiet Time: Rest according to individual schedules
- Afternoon Activities: Creative play, art projects, learning centers
Pick-Up Time (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Snack Time: Healthy afternoon snack
- Parent Communication: Daily reports on your child’s activities and development
- Flexible Departure: Children engage in quiet activities until pick-up
What Makes Quality Daycare?
Not all daycare centers are created equal. Here are the hallmarks of quality care:
| Quality Indicator | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Licensing & Credentials | State-licensed facility, certified teachers, current health & safety inspections |
| Low Teacher-Child Ratios | Appropriate ratios for age groups (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschool) |
| Curriculum & Learning | Research-based curriculum (like Creative Curriculum), age-appropriate activities |
| Communication | Daily updates, parent-teacher conferences, open-door policy |
| Safe Environment | Clean facilities, secure entry, childproofed spaces, outdoor play areas |
Key Questions to Ask During Your Tour
- What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
- What curriculum do you follow?
- How do you handle discipline and behavioral guidance?
- What are your health and safety protocols?
- How do you communicate with parents about daily activities?
- What is your sick child policy?
- Are meals and snacks provided? What does a typical menu look like?
- What are the credentials and experience of your teaching staff?
Trust Your Instincts
While licensing and credentials are important, also pay attention to how you feel when you visit. Do the children seem happy and engaged? Are teachers warm and attentive? Is the environment clean and welcoming? These intangible factors matter just as much as the checklist items.
At Soans Christian Academy, we nurture young minds through hands-on exploration and social interaction in safe, engaging surroundings. Our experienced early childhood professionals create individualized learning experiences that support each child’s developmental journey.
