Choosing Child Care: A Parent’s Guide to Finding Quality Caregivers

A lot of “firsts” in your child’s life will give you joy — her first giggle … his first step … her first word. One “first” that isn’t as appealing is the first day you have to leave your child in someone else’s care. You can make that day less stressful by learning the available options and choosing the best care possible.

There are three main options for child care today:

• In-home care lets your child get one-on-one attention from a caregiver who comes into your home. That gives you a more flexible schedule, but you’ll need a plan for times when the caregiver isn’t available.
• Family child care takes place in the home of the person(s) caring for your child. They might have a young child of their own. Family child care works best in small groups (no more than six kids).
• Center-based care handles larger groups of children, usually grouped by age. Group care often has a consistent schedule and several staff members.

When considering a provider outside your own home, be sure to visit the site. “Ideally,” says Shannon Steinbach, Director of the Chelsea Community Hospital Children’s Center, “you want to observe the interaction between your child and his or her caregiver, without being part of the equation.” If a center (or an individual caregiver) doesn’t want you to drop in unannounced, beware!

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies encourages parents to look for the following:

• A safe, stimulating environment
• Qualified caregivers
• Consistent, warm relationships
• A low ratio of children to staff between caregivers and children

Feel free to ask a caregiver about any specific concerns you may have. If you’re happy with the answers you get, you just may have found a great place for your child to grow.

Some Questions to Consider When Choosing Child Care

• What kind of experience and training does the caregiver have?
• Is the facility or home licensed or accredited?
• How is food prepared and where will the children eat?
• Is the facility clean and kept up?
• Are there proper safety features, such as smoke alarms and outlet covers?
• Can the children play outside safely?
• What is the ratio of adults to children?