[child care]
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Choosing Child Care
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a working mom, at some-point or another you will face the daunting task of seeking child care for your infant or child. As parents, it is one of the most challenging and important tasks we undertake. Quality care in a safe and nurturing environment is essential for all children but can be difficult to find. You are not alone in your quest. As the family dynamics continue to evolve so does the need for quality childcare.
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There are several types of child care to consider when making your selection. In general, child care falls into three basic categories. When making your selection, take into account your child’s personality, his and your family needs.
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Home-Based Care - care giver comes to your home
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Family Child Care - child care is provided at caregivers home
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Center - a staffed facility where care is administered to groups of children. Some programs follow educational curriculums similar to that of preschool and thus are accredited.
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Call your local child care resource and referral agency for information on licensed/accredited centers and services in your area. Accredited state child care centers meet minimum state standards. These standards tend to be at a higher level than licensing standards.
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Home Based Child Care
Selecting the right person for the job is another aspect to take into consideration. Plan to spend time with the caregiver to establish a positive relationship. This is important for the delivery of excellent care. Just as important is a trusting and loving relationship between child and caregiver. Look for someone who shares your childrearing philosophy. Your compatibility with the caregiver will make entrusting your child to her care a lot smoother.
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Whoever this person is, you will need to ascertain what qualifies her for the job. It is important to check your caregiver's background, training and references. Below are some guidelines to help you get started.
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If you have a child with special needs confirm that the caregiver(s) is trained and certified to work with your child. The center should be licensed and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs. You will find that many centers offer inclusion programs.
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What to look for in Home - Based Care
Experience — Examine personal and professional history. Does the caregiver understand the basic stages of care and needs of children based on developmental milestones?
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Compatibility — Are you in agreement with child care rearing philosophies and approaches?
Does the caregiver connect with you and your child?
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Qualities — Consider common sense & patience — a must when caring for children.
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What to look for in a Child Care Placement Agency Experience & Reputation — Years of agency operation? Word-of-mouth reputation?
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Screening — Depth of child care reference screening
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If Hiring in Home Care on Your Own
Contact an outside agency to do a state criminal check, DMV check, and social security number verification. Ask in depth questions about background, work history, credentials. Check all child care jobs and verify all employment
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Family Child Care
Family child care provides care at the caregiver’s home. These centers are government regulated and group size varies per center. Age may also vary although some centers service a specific age group (such as infants, toddlers, or preschool). The environment should be safe, cheerful, nurturing and clean.
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What to Look for in Home Family Child Care
Caregiver to child ratio determines how much individual attention your child will get. Ask about the total size of the group your child will be in. Young children strive on more intimate settings a room with a large group might not be the most conducive to building a bond between child and adult. The center should be licensed and comply with routine inspections. Maintain CPR certification
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Child Care Centers
Make Informed Decisions
No matter what child care service you choose there are certain “musts steps” that a parent should follow before making a decision. Visiting the program is perhaps the most valuable action you can take. Observing the caregivers and children is the best way to determine if this is the right place for your child. Arrange to stay for an hour or longer to get a sense of what goes on. Follow up with un-scheduled visits after the initial appointment.
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Take count of the caregiver to child ratio. The ratio guidelines vary per county. This will determine how much one on one interaction your child will get. Also be mindful of the group size. Even if the caregiver to child ratio is to standard, a group that is too large might not provide the intimacy required for developing a positive relationship essential to quality care.
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Ask Around
Get references; speak to parents about their satisfaction with the center, administration and staff.
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Questions to Keep in Mind
Is staff and child turnover low?
Is there continuity in the relationship of care?
Is the staff friendly and welcoming?
Do you feel welcomed when you visit the child care service centers?
Does staff greet the children and parents by name?
Is the staff knowledgeable about child development (physical, emotional, intellectual)?
Is staff’s professional development encouraged and mandatory (training and dedication is vital)?
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Child Care Links
Child Care Resources and Referral
Child Care Aware
Hillsborough Child Care Licensing Program
Florida Department of Children and Families (inspection records available online)