Choosing Quality Child Care
by Barbara Stout

Check It Out! The following points are good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center. Teachers/Caregivers • Do the caregivers seem to really like the children? • Do the caregivers get down on each child's level to speak? • Are the children greeted when they arrive? • Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy? • Are the caregivers trained in CPR, first aid and early childhood education? • Are the caregivers involved in continuing education programs? • Does the program keep up with children's changing interests? • Will the caregivers always be ready to answer your questions? • Will the caregivers tell you what your child is doing every day? • Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved? • Do the caregivers and children enjoy being together? • Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts about the best staff/child ratios for different age groups.) • Are caregivers trained and experienced? • Have they participated in early childhood development classes? SETTING • Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant? • Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment? • Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times? • Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas? ACTIVITIES • Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time? • Are the activities right for each age group? • Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children? • Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children? IN GENERAL • Do you agree with the discipline practices? • Do you hear the sounds of happy children? • Are children comforted when needed? • Is the program licensed or regulated? • Are surprise visits by parents encouraged? • Will your child be happy there?

Selecting the right child care setting is one of the most difficult and important tasks parents face. Quality, nurturing child care provides a strong base for your child's development and gives you peace of mind about your child's well being while you are apart. In looking for child care, quality is the one thing that matters most. By choosing quality nurturing child care now, you give your child a head start on a strong mind, body and spirit. You give your child a better chance to start school ready to learn, and grow to be a productive adult. You give yourself a better chance to feel secure and therefore be more productive at work because you are not distracted by child care concerns. Careful planning, gathering information, thinking about your needs and thoroughly investigating your choices all help with this difficult task.

So take your time in choosing child care, compare your choices and ask lots and lots of questions. There are many forms of child care from which to choose, including care by a relative, care in your own home, care in a registered family day home or in a licensed child care center. Only you know which child care provider will best fit your child's needs and your family's priorities. You will be the one establishing and maintaining the relationship with the caregiver who will spend a large part of the day with your child. You play a vital role linking the parts of your child's day together — sharing important information about your child's time at home and gathering information from the caregiver about her time with your child.

A good place to start your search is with your local child care resource and referral agency. They can let you know about local choices and talk with you about all the different child care options that are available. Their parent counselors can also give you general information to aid you in your search. As you begin interviewing providers and/or visiting centers, take time to look, listen, count, and ask.

LOOK! Visit several child care providers. Stay as long as possible so that you can get a good feel for the activities and schedule. What will your child's day be like? What will the care be like for your child? On each visit with a caregiver, think about your first impression. Also, look around you at the physical setting and the interplay between the caregivers and the children. Does this place look safe for my child? Do the teachers 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 reach? Always try to visit more than once.

LISTEN! What does the child care setting sound like? Do the children sound happy and involved? How about the teacher's voices? Do they seem cheerful and patient? If a place is too quiet, there may not be enough activity; if too noisy, it may mean there is a lack of control. How would your child react to the level of noise and activity in the room?

COUNT! Child care research shows that children thrive best in small groups. Also, the fewer the number of children per adult, the more attention your child will get. How many children are in the room? How many staff members are caring for them? A small number of children per adult is most important for babies and younger children. Ask local experts about the best staff/child ratios for different age groups.

ASK! A caregiver's level of training, experience and knowledge has a major impact on her ability to give your child the attention he or she needs. What is the background and experience of all the staff: program director, teachers and caregivers? What are their areas of expertise or special talents? Caregivers trained in child development are more likely to understand children's needs at different ages, plan appropriate activities and interact with children in warm and stimulating ways. They are also more likely to provide positive guidance for children, rather than harsh punishment. Is the child care program accredited? This designation means that a program has met national standards for quality care. Child Care Centers, Family Day Homes and School Aged Child Care Programs all have accreditation standards established. In Texas, Day Care Licensing requires facilities maintain only minimum standards for health and safety. Programs that voluntarily work to measure up to national standards demonstrate a significant commitment to providing the kind of care, attention, and stimulating activities that you require.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! Bring all your best efforts together to reap the rewards of finding quality child care that works for you and your child.

Editorial provided by Barbara Stout from Initiatives for Children, Inc.