Parenting Journals

What to Look for in a Childcare Provider

Entrusting our children to the care of others is one of the most crucial decisions we make.  Consequently, finding the right kind of childcare for our loved ones is hugely important to us all. There are a number of options available to working parents and whether you choose to place your child in a day care center or an in-home (family) care environment, there are many factors to consider when looking for reliable childcare.

• Will your child be in safe and happy surroundings?
• Will they be helped to reach their full developmental and intellectual potential?
• What is the staff ratio per child?
• Will they get enough individual attention from their carers?
• Are health and safety standards being met?
• Does the center or carer have a license?

In most States, both in-home child carers and day care centers are required to hold a license, although if they only look after a small number of children, family child carers may not be obliged to have one. Depending upon individual state law, the conditions of license will vary. In certain states, carers who look after children in their own home are licensed by the county, whereas, day care facilities are licensed by the state. A number of day care centers have a system of ‘accreditation’, which has to meet specific conditions, such as staff training obligations and policies for early childhood development.  Parents are also encouraged to observe the center, make suggestions and at times, involve themselves in different aspects of the program. These types of centers are accredited by various, professional organizations and are generally thought of as reliable and trustworthy.   Details of organizations that accredit day care centers can be found on the internet, using a search engine and include the NAFCC (National Association of Family Child Care) and the NAEYC (National Association of Young Children).

It is important to remember that a license or accreditation in not always an indication of an outstanding childcare facility.  Remember to ask family and friends whether they have any recommendations, as word-of-mouth advice can be so dependable.

When you begin your quest for reliable childcare, do your research and start looking at least six months in advance.  Above all, trust your instincts when you interview either an in-home childcare provider or a day care center.

• Ask to visit a facility when the children being cared for are present
• Watch how they interact with their carers
• Do they appear well looked after and above all, happy and content in their environment?
• Go prepared with a list of questions you would like to ask
• Visit as many places as you feel you need to, and always try to look around more than once.  If possible, drop by when they are not expecting you.  This can be very revealing with regards to the care that is provided to each child
• If the center is accredited, ask to see their policies
• Make sure that health and safety standards are being followed and there are enough staff to meet your child’s personal and developmental needs
• Take your child along with you.  Observe their interaction with staff members and their reactions to new situations
• Always check references from other parents and investigate whether there have been any official complaints made against a center or carer

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg.  Everyone has different ideals when it comes to childcare, and as a parent you will have many more needs to address.  There may be waiting lists for certain centers and other personal considerations to make.  Think about what is important to your family.

If you remember to use a combination of common sense and intuition, you will be sure to make the right choice for your child.

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