Choosing the right creche for your child in Nigeria could be a bit challenging for parents but it is something that should be done deliberately.
The early years of a child is very important. I think it is even the most important aspect of a child’s life because development that has started from the time the child is in the womb continues. Children start learning and developing before they are born and continues the most during their first seven years of life. This is why the creche and nursery schools are very crucial. They play an important role in the development of a child because the children’s foundation is built during this period.
The children learn and play during these periods and we know they learn best through play, observation and exploration. They can get a lot of this at the creche and nursery. This makes early schooling for babies and toddlers very crucial.
How do you decide on the right crèche for your child?
Here are some tips to guide you.
- START EARLY
It will be wise to start hunting for a creche for your Babies well ahead of time, to ensure you don’t get into a desperate situation that will push you to take rushed decisions.
- RESEARCH AND RECOMMENDATION.
You should carry out a lot of research and get recommendations from other parents. Talk to different Dads and Mums, friends and other people generally about a few creches they know and can recommend. Discuss and find out their reasons for recommending the centres.
- GET MORE OPTIONS ONLINE
Check online resources for more recommendations of Creches.
Narrow down your options and get as much information as you can.
- VISIT THE CENTRES IN PERSON
Pay a visit to the different centres in person. Ask more questions and look round. This will be the best time to rule some of the options out if you notice a few things that does not feel right to you.
YOU WILL NEED TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BEFORE TAKING A FINAL DECISION:
THE DISTANCE – Ensure the location of the creche works well for you, so you don’t have to spend hours on the road. It should be close to your place of work or your residence. If you wouldn’t be dropping or picking up it is best to ensure it’s close to the location of the person who will be dropping or picking up your child and that could be your spouse, friend, parents or relative.
LOCATION – The environment where the creche is located is very important. You need to consider a creche located in a safe environment. The environment must definitely be safe and secure.
OPERATING HOURS – You need to ensure the operating hours of the creche works well with your own timing. If your working hours are long, you may want to consider a creche that has a timing that will accommodate your hours.
THE FACILITY – The creche facility must be child friendly and childproofed. It must be clean and the hygiene level must be high. It should be well ventilated. Health and safety must be given priority. The facility should have enough indoor and outdoor space for the children to move and play around. There must be enough age-appropriate play and learning equipment; for example, books and toys to engage the children. The staff or teachers within the creche facility should be patient, loving and caring.
THE FEES/ COST – It is important to know the fees/cost implication. Parents need to ask questions about the fees/ cost and be sure it is an amount within their budget. They must be sure they can afford the fees conveniently and consistently.
TRUST YOUR INTUITION
As a parent, you will most likely know when something doesn’t feel quite right and this includes the creche. If you have an uneasy feeling about a particular creche, please move on, don’t settle there, look for other options. Clearly trust your intuition and ensure you make the right decision at the end of the day because your child surely deserves the best place to thrive and grow and this creche is definitely going to be part of your child’s life.
