Daycare Activities, Meals, And Cost
Going back to work after having a baby can be difficult for many new moms. It can also be difficult for new moms to find a daycare or childcare center they feel they can trust. Handing your child over to a stranger seems crazy to some, but nearly all daycare professionals go through training to get their daycare licensed before they're able to accept clients.
What Is a Daycare?
A daycare is a place where parents can drop off their children, of any age, to be taken care of while they are at work or school. Childcare for working parents is very important as it allows them to continue making a living or attend school.
Daycare Activities
Children attending daycare will most likely be taken outside to play almost every day, depending on the weather.
Outside they can do things can include:
- Play tag
- Race
- Play on jungle-gym equipment, if permitted
- Play sports games
- Draw with chalk
- Blow bubbles
- Fly kites
There are many outdoor activities that children can do, but activities may slightly vary between daycares depending on the equipment available.
Indoor activities can include:
- Crafts
- Reading
- Play with playdough
- Learning activities like math and writing
- Puzzles
- Coloring
- Painting
Depending on the state the daycare is in, it may be required to have the under a certain age take a nap at some point throughout the day.
Daycare Mealtime
For newborns and babies, mealtime may consist of formula and baby food. Depending on how well the child can eat, it's possible for them to have fruits and vegetables like the older kids.
Most states require the children who are no longer on a formula diet to have the following included in their meals:
- Protein
- 2 servings of fruit or vegetables
- Whole grain or bread product
- Milk
Depending on the daycare, the parents may be required to pack a lunch for their child to have at daycare. Some daycares will provide food and snacks for the children, but the price of the daycare services will generally be slightly higher when food costs are included.
Daycare Costs
Daycare can seem spendy, but it's important to look at the quality of the care and services at the daycare center instead of only the price. The national average cost of daycare for one to two kids is around $340 per week. Daycare is a necessary expense for some families to ensure that one or both parents can keep their jobs to provide for their families. Reach out to a local daycare to learn more.
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