Research Outline

Best Practices for Running a Day Care

Goals

To obtain information about the common tasks and best practices involved in running a daycare.

Early Findings

Common tasks

Best practices

  • Some daycare programs are integrating the use of technology in the learning process for children by introducing it in their curriculum.
  • Children are being encouraged to engage with digital material and assistive technology is being used with children who present with developmental delays or special needs.
  • Individualized attention is important to ensure infants and toddlers are being encouraged based on their own pace of development. For example, providing materials to children based on the interest displayed which shows their mental development progress.
  • Children need activities that are customized for them because a "one-size-fits-all group play" might not be appropriate for them.
  • In New York, group activities require: "1 caregiver for every 4 infants (6 weeks to 18 months) — group size no larger than 8, 1 caregiver for every 5 toddlers (18 months — 36 months) — group size no larger than 12, [a] family child care provider may care for no more than 2 children under age two, [and] 1 adult to every 3 babies or 4 toddlers".
  • There are recommended oral health hygiene for children in child care programs which varies based on age (i.e. 0 – 1 year, 1 – 3 years and 3 – 5 years). These can be seen here.
  • It is recommended that daycare facilities have "first aid kit to handle oral health emergencies" especially for common incidents like toothaches, cuts, broken tooth or bleeding related to their tooth/teeth falling out.