This post is presented by Kara Angus-President, Go-Go Group Inc 

#1: Is the center implementing the N.B. curriculum framework?

New Brunswick is a world leader in curriculum development for childcare.  As such, the province has provided the New Brunswick Curriculum Framework for Early Learning and Child Care which acts to ensure your child will experience purposeful play, individuality and independence and experience a zest for learning among many other beneficial components.

A great way to validate that the center is implementing the curriculum framework would be to ask to see various examples of document of learning (learning stories, photos, invitations, etc). I recommend looking for confirmation of continuous learning and child progress. A quality childcare centre believes in the value of the guiding curriculum which will be evident in daily operations, goals and vision.

#2. Are the educators engaging and responsive?

One of the most important things in childcare is knowing that the educators at the childcare center will be involved in your child’s daily activities. Look around the centre: are the staff observing or are they engaging in play with the children? Are they talking to parents or other staff; or are they reading a story or building a tower with the children? Staff who are playing with the children and engaging in their learning are a great sign of excellence.

#3. Is the schedule of daily activities posted and current?

Do you know what is going on, and are you excited about the schedule of events and activities that your child will experience? It is so important that you know how the center explores their idea of learning and child engagement. Is the centre planning activities in advance and informing you of these plans? Are they doing what they tell you they are doing? Are you happy with what your child is learning, seeing, and participating in? Do you see progress and improvement? All of these questions should be answered with a strong “yes” to ensure the centre will be a fit for you and your little ones.

#4 Are the children having fun?

One way to identify a great program is to observe the children at the centre.  Are they continuously occupied and engaged? Are they content and busy? When you walk into a centre, the sign of quality and fun is to see busy children fully participating in one or more activities. When you see smiling faces, laughing children and a relaxed environment – you will know they are having fun!

#5. How do educators handle conflict resolution? 

One of the most important things and one of the least asked questions, in my experience, is how a centre handles challenging behaviours among the children.

Most centers cannot always provide a 1 on 1 experience for children while they operate in a group setting. This means; that each center should have a well-defined; and well implemented behavioural management system. Every child has a hard day and acts disruptive at times. How is the center going to handle this behaviour? Will you have clear communication on your child’s actions? If it is reoccurring; will you have a communication and action plan to fix it? Will your child be removed from the childcare program without notice or will you have time to act? Are there “instant deal breakers” that you should know about? If so, what behaviours qualify for immediate removal?

Centers have to protect all children and a quality program will have open and clear communication, as well as policies, in order to solve any issues that occur on a day to day basis.  Understanding and accepting these policies before you start is an important step in choosing a childcare program for your family.

#6. Is the center safe?

A great center will offend a family member from time to time in asking them for ID! With the various leaders a childcare program can have (especially larger organizations); not every staff member will recognize all family members when they first pick up. Do they ask you for ID? This is a great sign. Do they call you when someone picks up who is not on the list? Another great sign. Do they sign your child in and out by time? Another great sign. You can’t be too safe when looking after your little ones; and good centers know this and have ways to ensure safety at all times.

#7. Are there enough resources, activities and materials on site?

A childcare provider should ensure that there are amble supplies and materials for the number of children they serve.  Can your child play with blocks or do they have to wait to use them? Is the craft corner fully stocked? Are there a variety of books available suitable for several reading levels?

A well-stocked program will have ample resources targeting the interests and abilities for all children in their care and will also be able to accommodate changes in activities based on the children’s interests with ease.

#8. Do you clearly understand the financial expectations? 

The cost of childcare is an important factor to consider when choosing your childcare centre. Will you be billed on holidays? When does the payment come out? What payment methods are accepted? Can you take time off for vacation without loosing your child’s spot? Is there a late payment fee and how long do you have to pay it? Be sure to be fully aware of all policies and expectations that the center has regarding financial matters.  Being pro active and asking these questions ahead of time will most certainly avoid unwanted surprises.

I’m confident that if you can ensure the above 8 things are well implemented and evident; you and your child will love their childcare experience!

Kara

President, Go-Go Group Inc 

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About the Author

Kara Angus, founder and president of Go-Go Group Inc, a multi divisional company including Go-Go PreSchool, Go-Go AfterSchool, Go-Go Gymnastics and Go-Go Events, began her business career while obtaining a Masters of Business Administration degree from U.N.B. in 2006.

Go-Go Gymnastics, North America’s first mobile recreational gymnastics center, and Go-Go Events, a division offering kid-friendly entertainment and party services, became a reality after a successful university project and quickly grew to a province wide service operating in 23 communities.

In 2010, Go-Go After School launched an innovative afterschool childcare program focusing on five main principles: science, leadership, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and physical activity.  Six years later, in 2016, Go-Go launched its 4^th division: Go-Go Pre School designed to introduce a revolutionary, fun and educational preschool program throughout the province. The Go-Go childcare centers have grown to include 18 licensed centers and is proudly responsible for caring for 500+ kids a day.

Combined together, all four Go-Go divisions service in access of 5,000 children annually, and employ 110 young leaders throughout New Brunswick.

Along with being the founder of four ever-expanding businesses, Kara Angus is also highly involved in her community. She is a part time instructor within the Faculty of Business Administration at UNB, is a member with the local Junior Achievement council and also volunteers at the majority of 40+ Go-Go’s sponsored charitable events held throughout N.B. each year.

For more information on the Go-Go programs, please visit www.gogogym.com, or by phone at 1-877-977-GOGO.