When to Begin the Child Care Search
It is amazing how many parents wait until just a few weeks before returning to work to secure the right childcare setting. When is the ideal time to begin this elusive search? Honestly, the sooner, the better. Any quality early childhood program will most likely be enrolling from a waitlist.
Like many other businesses, childcare is always working at least one season out for enrollment. Spacing is contingent upon the child’s age as that directly correlates with the number of children accepted according to state ratios. This is why the infant classroom is usually the most challenging to gain entry.
The state ratio in the infant room is one adult per every 4 children. Many centers will have this age as the smallest grouping. As soon as you discover you are expecting, begin your research and your due diligence of early childhood programs in your area. On average, soon-to-be infants can be added to the waitlist a year prior to the desired enrollment date.
At The Discovery Preschools, we do our enrollments for the Fall academic term in early February. At that time, the waitlist is also open for the following Fall term. Most waitlists are fee-based to ensure your interest in enrollment. These fees are typically non-refundable, so narrow your search to avoid astronomical fees before making a final decision. Be sure to inquire about notification of space becoming open, especially if you cannot enroll in your number one choice. Be aware of how much notice must be given to inform your current placement before transferring to your number one choice.
In Pennsylvania, the ratio increases by age as follows:
1 year of age is a 1:5 ratio
2 years of age is a 1:6 ratio
3 years of age and older is 1:10 ratio
While the ratios increase, space is still at a premium. It is typically a bit easier to secure a space as your child ages; however, looking a year prior to enrollment is still recommended. There are definite cycles in enrollment that will present:
- Late August & early September are very busy for those that procrastinate.
- October is very busy for those that chose a program that they recognized is not a good fit for the child and/or the family.
- January sees a rush as parents begin to think about changes for the upcoming year.
- February is busy as families begin to think about summer programming.
- March is busy as families begin to think about programming and for the Fall terms after securing summer plans.
- May & June shows an increase in inquiries as people look towards the upcoming academic year.
Do ask your provider if the program runs year-round and if there are differences between the summer program and the school-year program. Be sure to learn if disenrollment could possibly jeopardize enrollment for the Fall. Additionally, know what your contractual obligations are as far as discontinuing care.
The best advice to share: follow your instinct! If it doesn’t feel right, it is not your place! Remember that an education program is part of your extended family-only this family you may choose.
Our two main locations are in Newtown and Warrington and we support the Doylestown area.
