6 Steps To Choosing
Quality Child Care
1.
Start Early
Start looking as far in advance as you can. No matter what type
of care you are considering - a child care center or care in
someone else's home - finding the right child care option can
take some time.
2
.Make a Call
Begin your search by calling your local experts - your child
care resource and referral (CCR&R) center. CCR&Rs can give you
the facts about child care, and a list of child care options in
your area that may meet your needs. In addition to what is in
this brochure, make sure to ask your CCR&R these things:
-
Is this Facility state licensed?
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How long has it been licensed?
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Are there any child care financial assistance programs that
my family qualifies for?
3
.Visit and Ask Questions
Make sure you visit the child care options you are considering.
Find out about these key indicators of quality:
-
Adult to Child Ratio: Ask how many children
there are for each adult. The fewer the children for each
adult, the better for your child. You want your child to get
plenty of attention. The younger your child, the more
important this is. Babies need an adult to child ratio of no
more than 1:4 (one adult for four infants), while
four-year-olds can do well with a ratio of 1:10 (one adult
for ten children).
-
Group Size: Find out how many children are
in the group. The smaller the group, the better. Imagine a
group of 25 two-year olds with five adults, compared to a
group of 10 with two adults. Both groups have the same adult
to child ratio. Which would be calmer and safer? Which would
be more like a family?
-
Caregiver Qualifications: Ask about the
caregivers' training and how many years of experience.
Caregivers with special training in working with children
will be better able to help your child learn. Are the
caregivers involved in activities to improve their skills?
Do they attend classes and workshops?
-
Turnover: Check how long caregivers have
been providing care in their homes. It's best if children
stay with the same caregiver at least a year. Caregivers who
come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new
caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent on
learning new things.
-
Accreditation: Find out if the child care
provider is a member of the (ICA) Indiana Childcare
Association
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Policy: Ask about the daycares policies and
rules. Find out if they have a open door policy
4. Make a Choice
Think about what you saw at each visit, and make the best choice
for your child and family.
5. Stay Involved
The work isn't over when you find good care for your child. You
and your child's caregiver are partners now.
Here are some ways to be
involved:
-
Have parent-caregiver meetings regularly, and ask questions.
-
Offer to volunteer time when needed, like participating in
clean up days, fixing broken toys.
-
Be there for your child's birthday party.
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Visit your child at child care and read a book aloud.
-
Join in special events, like field trips, Career Day, Black
History Month, or other holidays.
Even if you can't get time
off from work during the day, you can still check in at drop-off
and pick-up times. Ask the caregiver how things are going, and
how your child is doing.
Visiting and participating
in events at your child's provider sends a strong message. It
tells your child and your child's caregiver that you think what
your child is doing and learning is important.
6. Continue to Monitor your Child
Growth and Developments
Ask you provider if there is any thing you need to work on
at home with you child’s development
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