How Do You Know When It's Time to Switch Daycares?

Finding the perfect childcare arrangement can feel daunting enough, but what if you found it and then it winds up not being so perfect? Or, something changes in your work or life and suddenly your family's needs change. Let's face it, we do need to revisit our childcare arrangement as our kids grow. Luckily, kids are resilient and they will adapt to new situations and can even grow from them. We're breaking down some of the top reasons you may want to switch up your childcare and how to handle it when the time comes. 

You need to move

There comes a time in many parents' life when they need to relocate for work, a better situation or to be closer to family. This could mean changing your child's daycare provider. Depending on the contract you have with your provider, you may need to give a certain amount of time as a notice that you are leaving, so letting them know as soon as you know is a good idea. 

It can be difficult to find childcare prior to a move, but it isn't impossible. You can search what is available in your new neighborhood on Winnie and come up with a shortlist of programs you'd like to check out. Schedule a few tours all on the same day, so you can squeeze them all in during one trip. If you are moving too far away to take a day trip for tours, you can schedule virtual ones or wait until you arrive. Some programs fill up quickly or have waitlists, so starting your search as soon as you know you are moving is your best bet for finding care quickly. 

Your child has grown

As children grow, their developmental needs change and so do their childcare needs. While an infant or toddler daycare may have been the perfect fit a year or two ago, your child might now be ready for a more structured preschool setting.

Preschools are designed to help children prepare for kindergarten by introducing them to routines, early academics, and social-emotional learning in age-appropriate ways. You might notice that your child is becoming more curious, independent, and eager to engage with other kids. If they’re showing signs of outgrowing the activities or environment in their current daycare, it could be a sign that it’s time to look for a preschool program.

Another indicator? Your current provider may not offer a preschool curriculum or the kind of enrichment activities like early literacy, STEM exploration, or music and movement that help older toddlers and preschoolers thrive. Or perhaps your child is asking more questions, wanting more stimulation, or expressing boredom.

Switching to a preschool program can feel like a big leap, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to match your child’s growing abilities with an environment that encourages learning and exploration. Preschool classrooms are typically organized around learning centers, group activities, and school-readiness goals which are all great foundations for kindergarten and beyond.

Something more convenient comes along

Maybe your child's daycare situation is just fine, but a brand new daycare opens even closer to your job or has better hours for your family. There may come a time when you upgrade your current daycare if something more appealing comes along and that's okay! Making the switch can be a bit of a pain, but if you are shifting to something that is more convenient or better for your family it's totally worth it. 

Quality childcare can be expensive. If your daycare's fees are too high for your budget, it might be best to find a more affordable option. Take your commute into account, too. Your family may have to wake up too early or it’s out of the way on your route to work. A new daycare that is closer to your home or job will cut down on dropoff and pickup time, as well as time spent commuting.

Your concerns aren't addressed

There are a number of ways to help your child if they’re having problems at daycare. Talking to the teacher is sometimes necessary to get to the root of an issue and work towards a solution together.

Some issues can take longer to sort out than others but if you feel that things have not improved, it may be time to check in with the teacher or director again. If the program insists that they have made changes or ignores your concerns, you and your child may benefit from another childcare arrangement.

You saw some red flags

When touring a potential daycare, you are seeing the best it has to offer. Daycares make sure everything looks good and teachers are on their very best behavior if they are expecting a visit from potential parents. 

When you're actually enrolled in the program and dropping by unannounced, you may see things that aren't coming up on a tour.

Some red flags might include:

• Dirty or unsafe areas
• Several children unattended
• Children seem upset or lethargic, rather than happy and stimulated by activities
• Teachers seem overwhelmed and tired

If the daycare seems to want to avoid parent visits, that could be another red flag.

The center’s rules have changed, but you weren’t notified

Maybe the staff-to-child ratio has changed due to an increase in enrollment or previously approved activities were cut, like outdoor playtime or walks to the nearby park. Or the food and snacks served have changed dramatically due to budget cuts or supply issues. Small operational changes can be expected, but if the daycare fails to tell you or if a lot of big changes take place all at once that may be a warning sign that the daycare is in trouble.

Also, one thing at daycare should be changed every so often: the toys and materials used for activities. Kids need variety and change to remain stimulated. Playing with the same toys and doing the same activities won’t encourage a child’s development. If the center doesn’t routinely offer new, safe, age-appropriate toys and activities, that’s a good sign it’s time to move on.

How to prepare your child for switching childcare

Even if you’re not experiencing these warning signs, don’t ignore a gut feeling that tells you it’s time for a new daycare. If you’re thinking about finding a new daycare, be sure to talk to your child about it. Visit the new daycare once or twice as a test to make sure you and your child are happy with it. It will be a big transition for them too, so it benefits the whole family to do a bit of work upfront to make it as smooth as possible. 

• Start the conversation. Start talking to your child about the upcoming change. Make it sound really exciting and like a positive experience. 
• Show them photos. It helps if children can visualize their new daycare ahead of time. If you are able to bring them on a tour or meet their teacher in advance that is ideal, but showing them photos from the program's website or Winnie page works too. 
• Help them say goodbye. Kids need closure when ending a chapter of their lives, just like we do. Help them create a photo collage to remember their daycare provider or make a special goodbye present to give their caregivers.