Choosing Child Care
Choosing child care is a difficult task--and one that only you, the parent, can do.
Child Care Links: Child Care Resource
and Referral Center of Baltimore County, a local non-profit educational
organization, understands and is able to support you in making
these decisions. Choosing Child Care: A Guide to
Help You Make the Right Choice
is
provided by Child Care Links: Child Care Resource and Referral Center of Baltimore County
and its LOCATE: Child Care
counselors.
Child Care Links' LOCATE:
Child Care
counselors can
provide information on child care options and regulations and a free list of
referrals to child care programs and providers located near your home, work,
school or bus route. They are available at 410-288-5600.
The following information provides
helpful information you can use when choosing an appropriate child care
arrangement for your family:
Follow the steps outlined and contact a
Child Care Links' LOCATE: Child Care
counselor at 410-288-5600 for a list of child care programs and providers in
your area or if you have
any questions.
1. Call
Call all the names of the homes or centers on your list. A good time to call
is between 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. Let them know you received their
names from
Child Care Links' LOCATE: Child
Care and that you are looking for care for your
child. Mention your child's age. Below you will find some questions that you
may want to ask. As you ask these questions, take notes on the information
you collect.
Telephone Questions
- What time do you open and close?
- How many children do you care
for and what are the ages of the children in your program?
- Are the groups small enough to
provide one-on-one attention to each child during the day?
- Do you serve meals or do I need to bring my child's own food?
- When I have the time, can I stay and see my child play?
- I would like to come and visit your home (or center). What day and time would be best?
Please give me some directions (if needed).
2. Visit
Visit at least three programs. Take your child with you. When you go, look at the area,
the caregiver(s), and the children. Below you will find a list of things to
check:
Look at the Area
- Does it look clean and safe for every age child there?
For example, is there a crib for each infant?
- Is there enough space inside and out so all the children can have room to play?
- Do the toys and materials support
different types of play, such as imaginative play, building projects, and
arts and crafts?
- Is there a time and place for both quiet
and active play?
- Ask to see the provider's license.
Look at the Caregiver
- Does the caregiver seem happy to meet your child?
- Does the caregiver use a calm voice and talk to the children on their level?
- How does the caregiver discipline the children?
Are you comfortable with the way the caregiver disciplines the child? Does
the caregiver praise accomplishments and help resolve conflicts?
- Does the caregiver seem to enjoy
and respect the children?
- If your child is an infant, does
the caregiver connect with your baby by gently holding and talking to the
baby? Will the baby get attention when she/he is not crying?
- Do I feel good about leaving my child with this person?
Look at the Children
- Do the children look happy? Are they playing nicely?
- Are the children doing
activities that suit their age and stage of development? Activities that
are too hard will be discouraging, but
children learn from new activities that are interesting and a little bit
challenging.
- Are they given a chance to make choices
about activities that interest them?
- Do the children have a daily schedule
which allows for indoor and outdoor play, nap time if appropriate, and
time for both individual play and group activities?
- Are the infants held and talked to in a
reassuring way that will help them learn to trust that their needs will be
met?
- Can I picture my child playing
happily here?
3. Ask
Ask the caregiver if you may talk with other parents who use that home or center. Get
several names and phone numbers and call these parents. (If the center is not able to give
you this information, you may want to go by the center at drop-off time in the morning or
pick-up time in the afternoon to talk with some parents.) Here are some questions that
might help you.
Questions for Other Parents
- Are you happy with your child's care?
- Does your child enjoy going there?
- What do you like the most about this child care?
- What are some of the things that you don't like?
- If you had to find care again, would your child still go there?
4. Decide
Decide which day care home (or center) seems the best for you and your child.
- Go over your notes from all the questions you have asked.
- If you feel unsure about a program, visit again.
- If you are unhappy with all the choices, call a
Child Care Links' LOCATE:
Child Care
counselor again for more names. If care is
hard to find, you may need to try a new area.
5. Act
Act on the suggestions provided below, which are designed to help build a
sound long-term relationship between you and the provider. They will help you feel good about the care you have
chosen.
- Sign a contract before you start care. This helps you and the caregiver avoid surprises.
These are items to include in your contract:
The hours the program opens and closes.
The days the program will be closed for holidays and vacations..
The things you will need to bring to the program.
- Get involved: It is the best way
to feel comfortable in a new program. Most centers have parent groups that
meet on a regular bases. Or, you can help with arts and crafts projects or
bring in snacks for parties. Get to know the teachers and other parents. You
can help make this new experience a happy one for everyone.
- If you are pleased with the care your child receives, tell the provider! Good
parent/provider communication benefits your child and is the key to a healthy
relationship.
6.
Help/Complaints
Looking for child care or after-school
activities in Baltimore County or elsewhere in Maryland? Search the
databases below:
Child Care Links: LOCATE Child Care is a
part of the
Maryland Child Care Resource Network.
The Network is administered by the
Maryland Committee for Children
under a contract with the
Maryland Department of Human Resources. |