Early Childhood Learning Center - How to Choose
Are you looking into a child care option for your little one? Maybe you want your child to receive something more while you’re at work. Instead of traditional daycare, consider an early childhood learning center where they can begin their journey of lifelong learning. There are many things you should consider when choosing an early childhood learning center. Learn what to look for to find the best fit for you and your child.
What is an Early Childhood Learning Center?
An early childhood learning center focuses on caring for AND teaching young children. They offer structured educational programs and usually cater to children from six weeks to six years old, often extending to drop in care and summer programs for school-aged kids. Your child will spend their days with trained educators who use age-appropriate learning materials and teaching methods that nurture their emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and most importantly - make learning fun!
How Are Learning Centers Different from Daycare?
Early education centers, like Lightbridge Academy, are more than just a daycare. Instead of simply providing basic child care services to supervise children while parents work, learning centers follow curriculums and educational programs. These programs include reading, math, science, art, music, and physical education to prepare children for school. Studies show that little ones who go through early childhood education programs have higher grades, develop stronger social and emotional skills, and enjoy reading and learning more.
How to Find an Early Childhood Learning Center
Start by creating a list of facilities in your area. Take to the internet to read reviews and testimonials from other parents, which can shed light on the center’s reputation and quality. Read through their websites for more specific information about the curriculum and services they offer. If they meet your criteria, make sure they have space for your child to enroll. Nothing beats a personal visit to gain a feel for the place. Tour various facilities to see the environment firsthand and ask specific questions about costs, hours, availability, curriculum, etc.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Early Education Center
When researching different early childhood learning centers in your area, consider the following: Curriculum and educational focus: Confirm that the center follows a well-rounded curriculum that supports all areas of development, including emotional and social growth, language skills, and physical coordination. Accreditation and staff qualifications: Accreditation by recognized organizations means the center meets high standards for early childhood education. Check that educators have relevant qualifications, like Child Development Associate (CDA) certification or higher education in early childhood education. Ongoing professional development is also great for keeping up with the latest education materials. Environment: Look for a clean, safe, and welcoming environment with classrooms that are stimulating and designed to cater to the needs of young children. Play areas should be secure, well-equipped and developmentally appropriate. Teacher-to-child ratios: Ask how many children and teachers are in each class. Each city and state has a specific requirement for teacher-to-child ratios, so double-check to make sure the center follows the law and that you feel comfortable leaving your child there. Parent involvement: A quality early educational child care center will offer regular updates on your child’s progress and foster an open line of communication. Tools such as apps for parent-teacher communication are helpful. Cost: The cost of an early education center varies depending on your location, the age of the child, the number of children, and the type of program or services offered, days enrolled, etc. In addition to it being the right fit for your family, it’s important that the center fits your budget. Hours: During interviews with centers, ask about drop off and pickup times. Make sure the operating hours work with your schedule and if you have to pay for any extended scheduling. Supplementary services: Extended care, backup care, or meal programs can be invaluable for working parents. Don’t make a decision based solely on what you find online. Go in and tour the facility and talk with the staff and teachers. As a parent, you must be able to trust the people who are caring for your child.
Choose Lightbridge Academy with Confidence
Finding the perfect early childhood education center isn't just a big decision—it's a huge leap of faith. You’re looking for that special place where your child can laugh, learn, and grow while you have peace of mind knowing they're in safe and loving hands. You want a blend of nurturing care and a program that develops them as a ‘whole child’. We would love to show you how Lightbridge Academy is the perfect spot you’ve been looking for. Our comprehensive curriculum is crafted to grow with your child as they age through our programs and is taught by our trained and qualified staff. Every one of our teachers is not only CPR and first aid certified but also continuously advancing their own skills to stay on top of their game—just like your child will! Lightbridge Academy centers go above and beyond state requirements regarding our teacher-to-student ratio. While they differ in each city and state, you can have peace of mind that we are well within the requirements and your children will receive all the support they need. Your child’s security is our number one priority. Secured and limited entry points, facial recognition, internal video monitoring, and silent alarms are just some of the ways we ensure safety. The health of your child is also top of mind. We follow industry-leading health standards to maintain a clean and healthy environment that parents can trust. Staff clean and sanitize classrooms throughout the day. We also use enhanced air purification and filtration systems to reduce airborne germs. Miss your child throughout the day? Peek into their day with our ParentView® Internet Monitoring system that offers real-time streaming video. Catch them mastering puzzles, munching on snacks, or napping like a champ. Plus, our parent eCommunication app keeps you updated with all the daily details, including activities, potty breaks, meal times and more. We understand that balancing work and family life is no small feat, and that's why we're here to help. Schedule a tour and see for yourself how your local Lightbridge Academy offers the perfect balance of care and education tailored specifically for your family.