Here is a guide to help you choose the right child care provider for your needs:
What qualities are you looking for?
1. List them down: Begin by making a list of the qualities you are looking for in a person you would want to care for your children. Make a long list. Invite your husband to make his own list as well. Then agree on a final list based on your 2 lists. Look for a care provider with such qualities.
2. Look for openings: Look to survey child care provider centers openings near your area. Get recommendations from relatives and trusted friends. Jot down their recommendations. Also visit the website for National Resources Center for Health & Safety in Child Care. Compare the initial recommendations you got with listings you see on the web. Then contact (800) 598-kids and talk with some one regarding regulations of such centers and also to verify information.
3. Legality: Look for a legal business. Before contacting the center, do a background check on the child care centers in your area. Verify if they are a legal business.
What’s the child care provider’s level of education?
When interviewing the care provider, assess their knowledge. Ask them what level of education they have finished. Seek to see for 3 things.
1. Seek to see for credentials: Ask for credentials. Are they knowledgeable about emergency care? Do they know how to perform CPR, first aid and what to do in cases of choking? Do they know the difference between infant, toddler and preschool care? Simple things like how the store and handle food speak a lot. So be observant.
2. Seek to see for licensure: Ask to see their license. Is it current and valid? Remember, you are entrusting your children to a person you hardly know, it is your right to know more about them.
3. Seek to see character references: Ask for references you can call to verify information as well as to verify character. Do thorough background check.
Where are they located?
Inquire about their location, traffic situation and operating hours. Know the proximity of the center from your house and place of work. Along with that, inquire about the traffic situation during rush hours so you can estimate your traveling time with their opening time as well as with your working schedule. Here are 3 things you want to check.
1. Check the safety of the center environment: Do an ocular inspection. What types of toys do they have? They shouldn’t use choke hazardous toys or toys with lead in them. What types of cribs do they use? They should be comfortable and within standard grade. What have they done about the electric outlets? How about the outdoor playground, is it safe? Look for evidences of child proofing like safety gates and padding.
2. Check the staff: What’s the child ratio per staff? Do they have enough people to take care for the needs of each child? How many are working part time and how many are full time?
3. Check the other kids: Generally inspect the other kids in the center. Do they seem to be happy? Do they seem to enjoy the experience? Check for previous complains thru the parents of the other kids.
What are their fees?
Figure out a budget to cover this expense. If you are unsure of the service provider and can’t decide yet, make a request to test the service for 2 week probation. You might also want to make a list for specific conditions you want to be followed in caring for your child.
