Child care facilities have received some bad press over the years. In some cases deservedly so, but not all daycare centers should get a black mark. The ones that deserve their bad reputation are understaffed, over-enrolled, and lack supervision.

On the other hand, many of them are reputable and can provide your child with more resources for growth and more individual attention than they would receive at an in-home daycare center. To ensure your child is placed in a reputable childcare centre in Ryde, you need to know the important things to look for before turning your child over to them.

Licensed by the State

You have nothing to do with a facility that does not display its up-to-date state license. Child care centers are required to get a license and maintain them for as long as they are in business. The licensing certification signifies that the facility has fire safety measures in place and that the staff has first aid and CPR training. This is of prime importance to you and your child.

Toys that are Age-Appropriate

The must-see movie, Toy Story 3, brings an important issue to light for today's childcare providers, in that the film illustrates the value of choosing toys that are suitable for each child's age. Not only the toys with sharp edges and potential choking factors must be kept away from little hands, but all children should be exposed to toys that will contribute to their development and help them expand their knowledge of the world they live in.

Areas for Open Play

If your living room looks like most living rooms with children in the household, it is cluttered with toys, clothes, chairs, playpens, books, and all the things that make childhood worthwhile. What it lacks, besides extreme tidiness, is space for all the kids to run around and play. At a top-notch child care facility, where kids are going to be spending a good portion of their day inside, areas for open play should be plentiful for all age groups.