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FINDING THE RIGHT EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE FOR CHILDREN PROVES DIFFICULT

1 January 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Jessica Graham, Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone Number: 937.223.5201 x 1022
Fax Number:  937.223.3997                                                                                                                           


FINDING THE RIGHT EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE FOR CHILDREN PROVES DIFFICULT
YMCA of Greater Dayton Offers Tips and Suggestions

Dayton, Ohio – September 02, 2010 –  As fall approaches, many parents of young children face a difficult and ever frightening task – selecting the right preschool for their child.  They want to ensure that their child has the growth and learning opportunities he or she needs in a safe learning environment, while still staying within a budget.   A teacher who knows child development and adores teaching and caring for children is a must.   Where do they begin?
 
“There are a few key things you need to consider when researching preschools and child care,” notes Debbie Nerderman, Senior Director of Child Services for the YMCA of Greater Dayton.   “There are three important ingredients to a quality preschool: teachers who guide and encourage children’s development and who work with parents; a physical environment that keeps children safe, happy and healthy; and activities that are suited to each child’s stage of growth and help children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and with language development.”

Nerderman recommends the following tips to finding the right preschool and child care for your child:

• Get referrals – Ask trusted family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations.  These people should have the same childrearing and education values as you.  From this, you can weed out preschools based on bad experience and compose a list of preschools to consider.
• Take a tour – Visit the potential centers to get a feel for the environment and opportunities available for your child.   Look for things that may be important to you, such as the availability of books to be read to the child, teachers working individually or in small groups with the children, or that children’s artwork, writing and creativity are evident in the classroom and be sure to ask questions.
• Consider the curriculum – Make sure activities are age appropriate.  Children learn in a variety of ways and at different rates – does the preschool or child care center recognize this by having creative materials, toys, books that help children learn language and every day skills?
• Look at the class size – Consider both the number of children in each class, as well as the physical size of the classroom.   Is there a low student to teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention?    Is there enough room for your child to play and move around?   More space could mean fewer accidents and quarrels.
• Ask about the teachers – The staff should be well trained and experienced.  What sort of education and training do they have?   Are they loving and responsive to the children?   Also make sure the facility is licensed by the appropriate agencies.
• Budget – Is the preschool or child care center within your budget?  What are the payment options?  Are there additional fees to consider?  What happens when your child is ill or you go on vacation?

When narrowing down your list of options, ask if your child may visit for a few hours or the day.   If your child is happy and the center meets all of your requirements, you’ve found the program for you.

The YMCA offers quality licensed, full-day preschool and child care programs for children ages eighteen months to five years.  The preschools present a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment while providing age-appropriate activities, hands-on experiences, indoor/outdoor play, healthy snacks, nap/rest time, and Y swim lessons.   Skills needed for a successful kindergarten experience are introduced and supported.   The program uses Creative Curriculum®, an educational component that supports and encourages each child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and language development.

The YMCA of Greater Dayton’s mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  Originally established in Dayton in 1870, the YMCA now has 12 locations throughout the Miami Valley and serves over 70,000 kids and families.  The YMCA of Greater Dayton builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities through its programs and services. 

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Dayton, visit the website at www.ymcaonline.org.
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