Choosing Quality Child Care

Finding quality child care is daunting. Let our early childhood professionals guide you in making the best choices for quality child care services. We can help you gain the peace of mind in knowing that you have access to quality child care that meets your needs in your neighborhood. Just ask. Connections For Children has the answers.

First we can help you to understand which type of child care is best for your family. There are many different options, from child care centers and licensed family child care to in-home care. Some care is licensed, and some is not. Licensing does not assure quality, but it does provide guidelines for health and safety. If you take the time to look carefully, you can find quality care for your child in any of these settings.

Next, we can provide referrals to child care programs, pinpointed by location. Whether you are looking for child care near your home, your work or school, or somewhere else, we have the most current and up-to-date database of child care programs. We can target referrals to the neighborhoods where you want care.

Last, and probably most essential, we can guide you to in asking the important questions that will help you to decide on the right place for your child. There are so many things to consider when choosing child care. Please read the list below or download our Child Care Checklist to keep with you as you visit potential child care providers. This list can also be used to help you periodically evaluate if the provider you have chosen is still right for you and your child.

The Provider:

• Can the provider give references? (Be sure to check them).
• Is the program licensed?
• Is there an open door policy welcoming your visits, participation and input?
• Is the caregiver patient when parents find it difficult to separate from their children?
• Does the provider enjoy being with children? Does she/he hug, rock, cuddle, talk, and sing to the children?
• Is the provider knowledgeable about child development stages and trained in early childhood education?
• Does the caregiver respect your family's values and culture?
• Does the caregiver listen to children and use positive language when talking to them?
• Does the provider regularly inform you about how your child is doing?
• What are the caregiver's expectations and rules for children's behavior? Do they match yours? Does the caregiver use positive and non-punitive discipline?
• Are you comfortable communicating with the provider about your child's needs?

• Is the home or facility clean and safe?
• Is the home or facility cheerful and interesting, but not over-stimulating?
• Are there separate areas for diapering, sleeping, resting, and exploring?
• Is there adequate indoor and outdoor play space for the children?

The Program:

• What is the adult to child ratio?
• Are there opportunities for staff to lean more about early childhood education?
• Is parent involvement welcome?
• Is information shared about how you can support your child's learning at home?
• What is the daily routine? Is it too strict? Too relaxed? Are daily or weekly activity plans posted?
• Are meals and snacks provided? Are they nutritious and fresh? Are menus posted? Is social interaction encouraged during meal and snack times?
• Are the activities and toys appropriate for your child's age?
• Are materials easily available to children? Are there a variety of items for your child to play with and explore?
• How does the provider accommodate children with special needs?
• Do the children seem happy, secure, and stimulated?
• Is your child eager to go there each day?