Four Steps To Selecting A Child Care Provider

1. Interview Caregivers

Call First and Ask...

• Is there an opening for my child?

• What hours and days are you open and where are you located?

• How much does care cost? Is financial assistance available?

• How many children are in your care?

• What age groups do you serve?

• Do you provide transportation?

• Do you provide meals?

• Do you have a license, accreditation or other certification?

• When can I come to visit?

Visit next (visit more than once, stay as long as you can)

Look For...

• Responsive, nuturing, warm interactions between caregivers and children.

• Children who are happily invoved in daily activities and comfortable with their caregiver

• A clean, safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment, especially napping, eating and toileting areas

• A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks and climbing equipment that your child will find interesting and which will contibute to their growth and development.

• Children getting individual attention.

Ask...

• Can I visit anytime?

• How do you handle discipline?

• What do you do in case of an emergency?

• Are the children and staff required to be immunized

• Do you have a substitute or back-up caregiver?

• Where do children nap? Do you know that babies should go to sleep on their backs?

• What training have you (and other staff/substitues)had?

• May I see a copy of your license?

• May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have used your care

2. Check References

Ask Other Parents...

• Was the caregiver reliable on a daily basis?

• How did the caregiver discipline your child?

• Did your child enjoy the care care experience?

• Was the caregiver repectful of your values and culture?

• How did the caregiver respond to you as a parent?

• Would yor recommend the caregiver without reservation?

• If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you leave?

Ask the local Child Care Resource Center or Licensing Office...

• What regulations should child care providers meet in my area? (Call 410-313-1940)

• Is there a record of complaints about the child care provider I am considering and how do I find out about it? (Call 410-750-8771)

3. Make The Decision For Quality Care

From what you heard and saw, ask yourself...

• Which child care should I choose so that my child will be happy and grow?

• Which caregiver can meet the special needs of my child?

• Are the caregiver's values compatible with my family values?

• Is the care care available and affordable according to my family's needs and resources?

• Do I feel good about my decision?

4. Stay Involved

Ask Yourself...

• How can I arrange my schedule so that I can talk to my child care provider everyday to find out about my child's day?

• How can I work with my child care provider to resolve issues and concerns that may arise?

• How do I deep informed about my child's growth and development while in child care?

• How can I promote good working conditions for my child care provider?

• How can I network with other parent?