Making a Decision for Your Child
Programs for children, whether in someone's home or in a center, vary in philosophy, style, and routine. All early childhood programs should take into account a child's individual social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Once you have narrowed your choices, plan to visit each facility more than once and during different times of the day. When scheduling your first visit, plan to go without your child and be prepared to stay for a minimum of one hour. Your next visit should be unannounced. Take your child during the visits he/she can participate in some of the activities and you can observe the adult interaction.
Don't hesitate to ask questions of the director and/or child care provider. Be aware that at some times of the day providers may not be able to spend the amount of time it takes to answer all the important questions you may have.
Some important questions may be:
- What is included in my fee (i.e. snacks, lunch, diapers)?
- What is the rate of staff turnover?
- What is the policy when my child gets sick?
- Will I get regular feedback about my child's day?
- Who cares for the children when the teacher is out?
Choosing child care is the beginning of an ongoing process and relationship between parents, child and child care provider. Observation, exchange of information, and evaluation do not end when you have selected your child care program. Whether your involvement in the program is the time at drop-off and pick-up, parent meetings or volunteering in your child's class, become familiar with your child's day and needs.
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