Choosing the right childcare facility is a pivotal decision for parents, as it lays the foundation for your child’s development, safety, and future learning. With numerous options available, it’s essential to know what factors to consider to make the best choice for your family.
Step 1: Verify Proper Licensing
Before considering any childcare facility, ensure it is properly licensed. In Nebraska, any individual or organization providing care to four or more children from different families must be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Licensing ensures that the facility meets state standards for health, safety, and caregiver qualifications.
Parents can verify a facility’s licensing status through the Nebraska DHHS Child Care Licensing page:
Nebraska DHHS Child Care Licensing
This resource allows you to search for licensed providers and review their compliance history.
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we are fully licensed and committed to exceeding state requirements, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
Step 2: Weigh the Pros and Cons of In-Home Daycare vs. Childcare Centers
Understanding the differences between in-home daycares and childcare centers can help you determine the best fit for your child.
In-Home Daycare:
Pros:
✔️ Smaller group sizes
✔️ Home-like environment
✔️ Potentially lower costs
Cons:
❌ May lack a structured curriculum
❌ Fewer resources and learning materials
❌ Care may be interrupted due to provider’s personal needs
Childcare Centers:
Pros:
✔️ Structured routines and schedules
✔️ Staff with specialized training and educational backgrounds
✔️ Regular inspections and adherence to licensing standards
✔️ Access to diverse resources and enrichment programs
Cons:
❌ Larger group sizes
❌ May feel less personal compared to home settings
Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy: The Best of Both Worlds
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we provide the warmth and close-knit environment of an in-home daycare while maintaining the structure, curriculum, and professional oversight of a licensed childcare center. We offer:
✔️ Small class sizes to ensure individualized attention
✔️ A nurturing, home-like environment where children feel safe and loved
✔️ Affordable tuition while maintaining high-quality care and education
✔️ A structured academic and Biblical curriculum that prepares children for school and spiritual growth
✔️ Highly trained staff who provide consistent supervision and coverage in case of absence
✔️ A fully licensed and inspected facility to guarantee the highest safety and care standards
This unique combination ensures that your child receives the personalized care of a small daycare with the enriching education of a top-tier academy.
Step 3: Assess Safety Measures
Your child’s safety is paramount. When evaluating a facility, consider the following:
- Security: Is there controlled access to the building?
- Supervision: Are children adequately supervised at all times?
- Emergency Preparedness: Does the facility have clear procedures for emergencies?
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we prioritize safety through:
- Comprehensive security systems both inside and outside the facility
- Hard-wired inter-connected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the facility
- Well-lit outdoor areas and staff supervision at all times
- Child-proof features throughout the facility, including safety gates and soft surfaces
These measures ensure a secure environment where children can explore and learn confidently.
Step 4: Evaluate the Educational Approach
A quality childcare facility should offer more than basic care; it should provide a robust educational program that fosters holistic development.
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we are not just a daycare—we are an educational institution dedicated to comprehensive child development. Our curriculum includes:
- Literacy and Mathematics Instruction: Foundational skills to prepare children for academic success
- Science, Cultural and Real-world Lessons: A diverse range of topics that rotate on a two-year basis, ensuring exposure to various subjects
- Bilingual Education: Instruction in both English and Spanish, enhancing cognitive abilities and cultural awareness
- Montessori-Inspired Learning: Encouraging independence, focus, and hands-on exploration
Our curriculum is designed to build upon skills year after year, tailored to each child’s developmental level, ensuring continuous growth from infancy through kindergarten.
Step 5: Consider Affordability and Value
While cost is a significant factor, it’s essential to assess the value provided. High-quality childcare offers long-term benefits that outweigh the initial expenses.
Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy is committed to providing exceptional education and care at an affordable price, ensuring that families receive the best value for their investment in their child’s future.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right childcare facility involves careful consideration of licensing, safety, educational philosophy, and value. By prioritizing these factors, you can choose an environment where your child will thrive.
At Hatzlaja Early Childhood Academy, we are dedicated to offering a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment that supports your child’s growth and development.
