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It is important to know about the curriculum and whether teachers are certified, among other things. Just because a "young lady" is attending children and friendly does not mean she is a "teacher" I can put a band aid on someone, but that doesn't make me a doctor. NAEYC has an assessment tool for early childhood programs and they then determine if the program is a "quality" program. The actual assessment is primarily focused on the characteristics of the building and placement of furniture etc,. There is almost nothing in the assessment regarding the certification of teachers, curriculum model, etc.
Childcare buildings (frequently the big franchises have the newest) have the “bling” today and slick corporate advertising literature that is misleading parents. One should look past that because "all that glitters isn't gold". It you are in a big new building you are paying for the building and not qualified staff. Please read "The McDonaldization of Society" and see what has happened to many early childhood programs and other aspects of our society.
This is the most influential time for learning. Children learn at 50% faster before age 6 than ever again. Success by six is generally determined by the family and childcare or preschool experiences. The “quality” of a program is never due to the look of the building and other superficial factors but to the people and program in the building. The curriculum that actually is practiced in the school is more important than the curriculum that is conveyed to the parents. The two are often totally different.
Good luck.
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