Good day-care centers keep kids engaged

Parents should also find out if the teachers are well-trained in early childhood development. High-quality programs often have teachers with at least associate degrees in early childhood education.

Parents also need to make sure the day-care center offers plenty of activities to keep children engaged all day.

Audrey Maynard, director of the early childhood program at Casco Bay College, says parents should look for the following:

• A large supply of wooden blocks, readily accessible on low shelves. Playing with blocks helps children learn about spatial relationships through constant trial and error. Research shows children do better in math if they've had the chance to play with blocks.
• Tables or areas where children can play with sand, water, pebbles, bird seed and even snow. "Children's cognitive functions improve when they have a chance to connect to the sensory world," Maynard said. Plus, children find it relaxing to play with the different materials.
• Cozy reading areas where children can curl up with a book. It should be someplace quiet and comfortable. And the books should be in good condition and easily accessible.
• Art areas where children can learn basic skills that help them with writing later by practicing using pencils, crayons, markers and paint. "Also, children feel a lot of satisfaction as they work to create works of art," Maynard said. "The creativity in the process helps then to learn about problem solving as they grow."
• Dramatic play areas where children can dress up and act out scenes. "Children are constantly watching adults in their lives and learning the good and bad from their example," Maynard said. "Dramatic play areas help children by given them arenas to act out these stories."