Choosing A Childcare Center For A Really Active, Energetic Child
Every child is different. Some children are quiet and pensive. Others are energetic and active. You want to take your child's personality into account when choosing a child care center. So, what features and amenities should you look for in a child care center when your child is really energetic and excitable? Here are a few suggestions.
An outdoor playground
Focus on childcare centers that have outdoor playgrounds. Ask how often the children get to play out there, too. If a childcare center offers some outdoor playtime every day, this will give your child a chance to burn off more of their energy in an environment where doing so is welcome. Getting to run and play outside every day will make it easier for them to control themselves for the rest of the day when they're inside.
More free time
Some childcare centers have structured schedules with planned activities basically every minute of the day. While some children thrive in this sort of structure, really energetic children can sometimes find it stifling. For more energetic kids, you may want to choose a child care center that has more unstructured time. Perhaps, for example, they have a scheduled reading time at 9:00, but from 9:30 - 11:00, the kids get to play with toys as they please. They may have a scheduled writing practice at 12:00, but from 1:00 - 3:00, the kids get to draw and play with art supplies as they please.
A larger space
Keeping energetic kids entertained in a smaller space can be tough. And if they do start running around too much, the teachers may become overwhelmed. If the childcare center is in a larger building and has larger rooms, it won't be so bothersome to others when your child moves around more. Choosing a larger childcare center will allow your child to be themselves a little more.
Good communication
Finally, make sure the child care center has a good method of communicating with parents. This is really important regardless of your kid's personality, but it's especially wise when you have an energetic child who is more likely to bump into furniture or fall on the playground. If there are any problems, you want to know you'll find out immediately.
Keep the tips above in mind as you look at various child care centers. Plenty of them are set up with energetic kids in mind and will offer the necessary amenities.