Choosing a Child Care Provider

Choosing quality child care is one of the most difficult decisions a family must make for their child.  It can also be a stressful experience.  In order to make this process easier, please use the following as a reference:

• Start early to find the right child care.  You give yourself at least three months
  to begin your search for day care.  Sometimes child care centers have long waiting lists and family day care sites might have more openings.
   
• Determine how much you can afford.  The Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes does offer financial assistance for income eligible working and returning to school full-time families that are having difficulty paying for child care.
   
• Make a list of questions that are important to you and your child when you sit and meet your child care provider for the first time. When you initially call the provider, screen the provider by asking such questions as how many children are in your program, what ages are the children who attend the program and how many licensed registered providers are on staff?   If they give you the answers you are looking for, the next step would be to set a time to visit the child care provider.
   
• It is strongly suggested that you create a checklist to rate the program and that you visit programs more than once and at different times of the day.  Try to visit the provider when children are present. As you talk to the provider, watch how she/he cares and interacts with the children.  As a parent, you should feel free to ask the provider questions about what you see and hear.  Take notes and after your visit, think about what you saw and heard and decide if you think this provider is right for you and your child. 

Questions you should ask yourself when you are considering
a child care provider are:

1. Does the provider enjoy children?  Is she/he calm, patient, caring,
happy and appears flexible?

2. Does the provider understand how children grow, learn and behave?


3. Does the provider listen to the children?


4. Do children receive individual attention?


5. Is there a warm and friendly atmosphere?


6. Do the children look happy?  Are they having fun?


7. Are parents welcome to drop in anytime?


8. Does the child care center, group family residence or family day care residence look like a safe and healthy place?  Did you see fire extinguishers and smoke detectors when you tour the building or residence?  Does the provider have a plan in case of fire?  Has this been posted on a wall?  Does the provider give snacks and meals to the children and what types of nutritious meals and snacks does the provider give to the children?


9. Are there a variety of interesting toys, book and materials where children can easily reach them?  Are there age appropriate toys and activities available for all the children who are in care?


10. Is there a safe place for children to play outside? Is playground equipment safe and not rusty?


11. What kind of discipline does the provider use?


12. Will my child fit in here?


13. Will I feel comfortable about my child being here?