If you were to name a few of the most precious things in your life, would at least one of those things be a child? Most assuredly, because you’re researching to find quality childcare for your infant! It may feel like a daunting task to find the best childcare environment for your child. However, as you contemplate the different possibilities, if you follow a few simple guidelines, you’ll feel more confident in the infant childcare you choose.
    
A wonderful way to find quality infant childcare is to ask around and get some recommendations from close friends. Of course the first, and best, recommended environment for an infant would be a quality in-home childcare setting with a very limited enrollment. All in-home childcare facilities should be licensed by the City of Boise.  The licensing office can direct you to in-home childcare in your area.  
    
As you interview and observe these various infant childcare options, be sure to make notations of some important points:

•    What is the overall personality of the attending caregiver?
•    Does the caregiver show patience, kindness and nurturing when handling an infant?
•    Is the environment safe, clean and comfortable for a child?
•    Ask how much quality one-on-one time you can expect them to spend with your child on a daily basis?
•    What is their policy on drop-in visits from a parent? (Note: It should be an open door policy.)

As you go through the process of finding the best childcare for your infant, trust your feeling and follow your heart. Your parental instincts can tell you a lot!!

Don’t forget to put your child’s name on the waiting list for Lakewood Montessori School as soon as possible. This will ensure enrollment of your in our pre-primary (begins at age 2) or Primary (begins at age 3) classrooms. Lakewood Montessori is proud to have Montessori certified lead teachers in each class and quality on-site childcare before and after school hours.

Anita Murnighan
Lakewood Montessori, Boise, Idaho