Deciding between traditional daycare, Montessori, a nanny or other caregiver for your baby or toddler?
Maybe your child’s struggling with separation anxiety, or you’re just not sure what’s best from all the available options. There can be lots of things to consider - closeness to home, the cost of each option, what languages are spoken by the caregivers, how they handle communication with parents, how the space for the children is… Lots of pros and cons.
Even if you’re set on Montessori, you might not know how to tell a good place from a not-so-great one.
Good childcare in early infancy - whether strictly Montessori or not - is one that prioritizes connection and respect, while also challenging kids’ development with appropriate materials, activities and interaction. But it also important to choose a place where you feel good and safe leaving your baby. It’s about finding a solution that matches their needs as a growing child, and your needs and goals as a responsible parent.
Here are some quick tips:
- Ask how they handle and ease separation between kids and parents.
- Ask how they handle play, socializing, meal times, caregiving tasks and other activities.
- Most Montessori schools will let you observe if you ask - this is a good sign!
- See if the space feels calming and engaging, and how the children act.
- Remember to trust your gut when meeting nannies or visiting daycares - your child will sense how you feel and it will inform how they react.
As an AMI-certified Montessori 0-3 guide and your parenting sidekick, I can help you figure out the best option and learn what to watch for in a potential caregiver or educational establishment. Book a free 15-min call with me, share your challenges, and let’s create a plan together.