Choosing Quality Child Care
Leaving your baby in the care of an unfamiliar person as you return to work can be scary if you are not prepared. However, finding the right child care for your family can be a positive experience for you and your child. Here are some helpful tips for finding quality early child care and education:
• Recognize the potential for a positive child care experience. You can do your best to find a child care program with caregivers that you trust and share your child-rearing philosophy - caregivers who are also qualified, experienced, and capable of giving your baby the nurturing and attention that is essential to her health and development. When you choose a loving, stimulating and educational child care environment for your baby, you are helping her develop the crucial cognitive and social skills to do well in school and beyond.
• Start early. Choosing child care may sound like a daunting task, but if you start a few months in advance, you can learn to recognize child care that is safe and comfortable for you and your baby. Some child care programs have waiting lists as long as six months or more, so it is important that you start your search well in advance of the time you hope to return to work. September and June are peak enrollment periods, although most providers enroll children on a year-round basis.
Whether you prefer to find care for your baby in your own home, a registered family day home, or care in a licensed child care center, take your time. Investigate the options available to you and try to determine the specific needs of your family and your baby.
• Make the most of your visit. After you initially screen your options to find a few child care programs that meet your family's budget, schedule, and special needs, call to arrange an appointment to visit the child care centers or family homes you have selected. Make sure you will be able to observe caregivers during a time when children are there. You will want to visit at least three suitable centers to get a feel for different styles of child care. During the visit, you should:
— Look. Begin by visiting several child care homes or centers. On each visit, think about your first impression. But don’t stop there. Does the place look safe for your child? Do the caregivers/teachers who will care for your child seem to enjoy talking and playing with children? Do they talk with each child at the child's eye level? Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within a child's reach? You should always visit a home or center more than once. Stay as long as possible so you can get a good feel for what the care will be like for your child. Even after you start using the child care, continue to visit from time to time.
— Listen. What does the child care setting sound like? Do the children sound happy and involved? What about the teachers’ voices? Do they seem cheerful and patient? A place that's too quiet may mean not enough activity. A place that’s too noisy may mean there is a lack of control.
— Count. Count the number of children in the group. Then count the number of staff members caring for them. Obviously, the fewer the number of children for each adult, the more attention your child will get. A small number of children per adult is most important for babies and younger children.
— Ask. It's very important that the adults who care for your children have the knowledge and experience to give them the attention they need. Ask about the background and experience of all staff: the program director, caregivers, teachers, and any other adults who will have contact with your child in the home or center. Find out about the special training each one has and whether the program is accredited. Quality care providers and teachers will be happy to have you ask these questions.
— Be Informed. Find out more about efforts in your community to improve the quality of child care. Is your caregiver involved in these activities? How can you get involved?
• Don't rely on word-of-mouth. Although asking your friends and family where their children attend child care is a good way to narrow your search; however, try to discover the specific needs of your child and determine what situation is best for his or her well-being.
• Continue to visit. After you have found a center that meets your needs, slowly introduce your child to the new surroundings. Stay at the center for a few hours at first so that she understands that you will return. Continue to visit the center periodically to assure that your child is in a happy, safe, and stimulating environment. Your child's needs may change as she grows older. And, while you want to maintain consistency in her child care environment, you may need to change your care arrangements to adapt to your child's age and changes you observe in her development and personality.
• Develop a relationship with your caregiver. Is your caregiver open to your input and receptive to your concerns? Do they provide time to regularly discuss your child with you? Building a strong, cooperative relationship with your provider helps to build continuity and enhances the positive experience shared by child, parent and caregiver.
• Trust your instincts. If you do not feel 100% comfortable with your child care arrangements, trust your instincts and find another center or family home for your child.
Selecting early child care is one of the most important decisions you will make in your baby's life. Placing a new baby in child care and returning to work is a difficult hurdle for new parents. However, if you take your time in finding quality care, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child is in a nurturing, loving environment that suits his or her individual needs.