A Parent’s Guide To Selecting Your Child Care Provider
Over the years, parents have shared with us the questions they ask when selecting a child care provider. With so many options, it is not easy to choose the right day care for a family. On this page, we offer some of the questions parents have shared with us. We are happy to answer any of your questions to help with your decision making.
The Safety of my child –will my child be save and secure when I leave them? Is the facility safe? Are emergency procedures posted? Do they practice good hygiene? Are the play areas safe? Are the snacks appropriate and nutritious?
The Care of my child–I want my child to be treated with respect and patience. Is the staff warm and cooperative? Do they respect each child’s language and culture?
Is This the Right Program for my child–I want a licensed program for my child with the right staff ratios. Do they have adequate play and educational materials? Do they have supervised rest time? Are their discipline methods acceptable to me?
Child Care Environment==I want a child orientated environment for my child. Is it bright and cheerful? Is there enough space for all activities? Do they have indoor space for different types of activities? Do they have outdoor activities?
What Will They Learn–I want a daily schedule that allows my child to choose activities and solve problems? Do they learn appropriate social skills? What will they learn?
Reviewing the Programs–Each child care program has different features and benefits. Carefully review the program of each possible provider. Does a program match your expectations for your child? You are purchasing child care. It’s one of your most important decisions.
Checking References–the best way to get a feel for a child care provider is to ask for references from parents who have used the program. Will they give me parent references?
Thinking Long Term–how will this provider meet your present and long term child care needs? Children thrive on consistency. Will the program continue to serve your needs as they change for you and your child?
Staying Involved–child care is a partnership between you and your provider. Are you welcomed as an unannounced visitor? Will they involve you in decision marking? Can you talk with the staff at drop off and pick up? Are you made to feel welcome? Are you given activities you can do at home that support and enhance the work at the child care program?
Results You Should Expect From Your Child Care Provider
Convenience–Mornings can be hectic for getting children ready for child care along with getting yourself ready for work. Good child providers make it convenient by their location, their hours of service and their abilities to deal with your busy schedule.
Comfortable–you should leave your child care provider each morning, feeling comfortable and confident that your child is in a safe and nurturing environment. A good child care provider will give you this comfort with all the details of their program.
Quality-quality starts with meeting the Minn. requirements for staffing, training and the physical environments. It builds with the type of learning, daily activities and the enjoyment you child experiences with the program.
A Happy Child-is your child happy about attending their child care provider? This is a bottom line result. The child should enjoy the environment, make friends, learn new skills and have fun doing it. Good child providers make this a goal in their program for the child’s sake and for you as a parent..
Affordable–you want to get the best child care you can afford. The early years in a child’s life shape many of their values and attitudes for the rest of your life. Choose the best program you can afford for your child.