Essential Tips for Parents in the Metrowest
Finding the right childcare for your child is a big decision, and knowing the key factors to look for when choosing a daycare can help you make the best choice for your family. Whether you’re seeking high-quality childcare in Natick or want an inclusive and nurturing environment, these five key factors will guide you in selecting a daycare that meets your needs.
1. A Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Look for a daycare that promotes and practices inclusivity. A high-quality childcare center values diversity and ensures that all children, regardless of their background or abilities, feel welcome and supported. At Mini-Miracles we have a unique opportunity for children because we are partnered with RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting, who provides integrated preschool for children with autism. (If you’re interested in integrated preschool services, please reach out to RCS.) Students get to learn alongside peers of all different abilities, which allows them to develop incredible social-emotional skills, while they follow a high-quality kindergarten prep curriculum.
Mini-Miracles is also proudly committed to being accessible to all families in our community of Natick, Framingham, and beyond. We currently accept childcare vouchers, funded by the Dept. of Early Education & Care, which help families receive financial assistance for daycare.
2. A High-Quality Curriculum
Often times parents don’t think to ask, but we encourage you to ask the daycare what their curriculum includes. In Massachusetts, we are lucky to be around so many childcare centers with high-quality academic learning opportunities. At Mini-Miracles, our curriculum is created by our certified early education experts, and focuses not only on kindergarten readiness but also social-emotional learning.
For children ages 0-5, this means engaging activities that encourage social, cognitive, and emotional development. We also schedule daily age-appropriate activities like storytelling, music, and hands-on exploration. High-quality daycare curriculums go beyond just basic skills, offering a well-rounded experience that promotes creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
3. Certified, Quality, and Caring Staff
The heart of any daycare is its staff, and we feel like we have the best staff around! During your visit to your prospective daycare(s), observe how staff interact with the children and whether they foster a warm, caring atmosphere.
In addition to meeting basic educational qualifications, staff should also be compassionate, patient, and responsive to each child’s emotional and social needs. Each classroom in Massachusetts should have at least one certified teacher, licensed by the Dept. of Early Education & Care (EEC). Many of our classrooms often have two or more licensed teachers, along with highly qualified assistant teachers. Our staff also participate in regular trainings to ensure each teacher is equipped with the knowledge and tools to meet the unique needs of their students and ensure they thrive.
4. Safety and Cleanliness
If you’re a new parent, having your child in a clean place is probably the first thing on your mind when taking daycare tours. Look for a daycare that adheres to strict safety protocols, including secure entryways and a clean, well-maintained environment. In Massachusetts, childcare centers also have smaller teacher-to-student ratios than many other states. This increases the safety of each classroom. At Mini-Miracles, we keep class sizes small so that each child gets the attention they need.
When touring, don’t hesitate to ask about the daycare’s safety policies, child-to-staff ratios, and procedures for emergencies. Regular sanitation practices and safe play spaces are crucial for keeping your child healthy and protected.
5. Strong Parent Communication
You may be surprised that some daycares don’t have digital communication systems yet for daily activities. This is one of our huge draws for our current families at Mini-Miracles, as family communication is one of our core values. MMCC uses the Brightwheel app to send routine updates (especially for infants who have regular diaper changes and feedings), as well as pictures of your child having a blast at school!
Transparency about your child’s progress and daily activities can give you peace of mind. You’ll often find our directors helping out in classrooms and talking with parents about their child’s day, providing advice for their development, and overall being accessible for all our families.