Providing care to children at a day care centre is no easy task. Often, caregivers have to spend time understanding the needs of every child, carefully tracking their development and communicating with both children and their parents. They also have to deal with some unpredictable parents who may have unrealistic expectations for their children.

As a parent, it's important to step back and take some time to appreciate those who care for your child while you're away. Small gestures of kindness can motivate caregivers and make them feel appreciated. Here are four ways you can demonstrate appreciation to the caregivers at your child's day care centre.

1. Be actively involved in your child's development

Properly raising children is a team effort. Most caregivers appreciate parents who are actively involved in their child's development. While it's easy to simply drop off your child and assume that caregivers will handle them during the day, you should take the extra step of being involved.

Ask the caregivers how your child is behaving and where you can step in to help. By showing that you're actively involved in your child's development, caregivers will feel more confident in their role and they'll have an easier time working with kids under their care. 

2. Offer teaching supplies and toys for the kids

Another useful motivational tool is to provide teaching supplies to caregivers. There can never be enough toys, puzzles, crayons and snacks to go around at a day care centre. Your contribution can supplement what the caregivers are already using, and they can help provide a rewarding experience to all children under care. You may also contribute teaching supplies that are unique, new and exciting to the kids.

3. Give them personal gifts of appreciation 

In some cases, it's a good idea to personally appreciate a caregiver who you feel is doing an outstanding job. For a personal gift choice, consider what your child's teacher likes to do (hobbies, interests, etc.). You can then offer a neutral gift such as a souvenir, a coffee mug or a gift basket. In fact, gift baskets filled with an assortment of goodies (such as fruits, candy, a bottle of wine and a card) are an excellent choice for a personal gift.

4. Be tolerant of occasional mistakes

No caregiver is perfect. There will always come a time when they will make a mistake when caring for your child. A caregiver may forget to honour your child's request, rush through some lessons or issue a harsh punishment from time to time. The key is to be tolerant with your child's caregiver and to understand a situation clearly before rebuking them.