Child Care Choices

genevakids2: A child care guide for parents

The following points are good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center.

Qualifications - References

    Ask the providers why they are qualified to care for your child.

    Ask for a list of references. Call the references and talk to them.

    Ask if he/she has attended any training and/or holds any certificates (i.e. CPR, first aid, early childhood education).

The Physical Layout - Emphasis on Safety

    Is it the kind of place you want your child to be?

    Is there a safe outside play area?

    Are there dangerous stairs? Are they equipped with gates?

    Is the place neat and clean?

    Is the lighting adequate?

    Are unused electrical outlets plugged?

    Are poisons stored securely out of the reach of children?

    Are there sharp objects or other hazards?

    Are the toilets and washrooms adequate?

    Are wood stoves barricaded when in use?

    Are pools and ponds adequately fenced?

Caregivers/Teachers

    Do the caregivers/teachers seem to like children?

    Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child's level to speak to the child?

    Are children greeted when they arrive?

    Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?

    Does the program keep up with children's changing interests?

    Are the caregivers/teachers ready to answer your questions?

    Are the caregivers/teachers telling you what your child is doing every day?

    Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?

    Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?

Play - Toys - Activities - Naps

    Are there plenty of toys suitable for your child? Are they broken or dangerous?

    What's the policy on TV? Be sure TV doesn't substitute for personal care.

    Are there places to take walks?

    Are there tricycles and other outside play equipment?

    Are there educational materials and art supplies such as clay, paint, puzzles, books, records, musical instruments?

    Is there a place for naps? Cribs for infants?

    Who provides towels and blankets?

    Is there a regular schedule of activities?

Travel

    Will the provider have your permission to take your child places in a car or van? If so, ask to see the vehicle.

    Is the vehicle in good repair?

    Are there seat belts? Car seats for younger children?

    Are drivers insured?

Emergencies

    Are the providers trained in first aid and CPR?

    What are their general emergency procedures?

    Do they have regular fire drills?

    Are emergency numbers clearly posted by the phone?

    What are the provider's emergency plans in case of disaster?

    If the provider is ill or needs to attend to business, who will watch the children?

Setting

    Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?

    Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment? Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?

    Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?

Food

    There should be mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks and a hot lunch.

    Ask to see a typical meal or menu.

    Agree on what foods you will provide, if any. Discuss any special diet needs.

Number of Children

    How many children, including their own, will the provider be caring for?

    In a family day care home, the number should not exceed six. There should be no more than three children under age 2, or four children under age 2 with no other children.

    Are there other children your child's age?

Philosophy of Child Care - Discipline

    Observe how the provider communicates with the children.

    Is the atmosphere positive and loving?

    Is the provider's philosophy close to yours?

    Will your child get mixed messages?

    Limits on behavior should be clear, firm and consistently applied.

    Discipline should not be enforced through teasing, shaming, scolding, shouting or physical abuse.

    Discuss methods of discipline with the provider, and agree on a policy. State regulations prohibit corporal punishment.

Payment

    How much do they charge?

    How does this compare with the going rate in your community?

    Have they increased rates recently?

    Do they plan to increase rates in the near future?

    When is payment expected - will you pay in advance, or later?

    How often will you pay?

    Are you expected to pay if your child is absent?

    Are there any late charges or registration fees?

Your Responsibilities after You Decide on a Provider

    Give the provider addresses and phone numbers where you can be reached at all times.

    Leave the number of some other person who has agreed to be called if you're not available.

    Leave the number of your doctor or someone else the provider can call in a medical emergency.

    Have your child's immunization records with you. Be sure they are up to date.

    Make your payments promptly.

    Tell the provider about any allergies, physical problems or other special needs of your child.

    How ill can your child be and still come to day care? Agree on a policy. Have an alternative plan if your child is too ill to attend.

    Arrange for regular conferences with the provider. Don't let doubts or problems build up.

    Drop in now and then, especially if your child is very young and can't tell you how he or she is being treated.

    Let the provider know who, besides you, may pick up your child.

Choosing the right child care setting takes time. Visit at least three centers and/or homes before making a final decision.

Community Connection for Child Care makes referrals to licensed family day care homes and child care centers in Kern county. Referrals are given based on geographic location and specific child care needs or individual families. More information...

It is the intent of Community Connection for Child Care to only make referrals and not recommend any particular child care setting. Choosing an appropriate child care setting which meets the needs of your family is the responsibility of the parents or guardians. Just as families are different, so are child care settings.

Choose Child Care Carefully!

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