What to Observe, Ask Before Selecting a Child Care Site

It is a serious decision, a difficult decision and one that many parents are not truly prepared to make.

How do you select the first child care site for your toddler?

Rita Armstrong, the executive director for Childcare Resource and Referral, said parents should take their time when selecting child care.

She is big on observing when a parent visits a potential site. Look around. Does it feel right? Does it look neat and clean?

“If it’s clean and safe, nurturing and loving, you can usually see it.” she said.

Childcare Resource and Referral has existed since 1991 and provides training for 780 childcare providers in Kankakee, Will, Grundy and Kendall counties. They provide services through the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Infant Early Head Start program.

While the agency provides training to licensed providers, Armstrong makes it clear that it is absolutely a parent’s right to use an unlicensed provider. In many cases, that means grandma.

There is a general trend toward getting more children in preschool because it helps to prepare them for kindergarten. However, this remains an individual choice. Armstrong points to the home-school movement, with more parents acting as the educators of their children.

As far as costs go, there is assistance for child care available based on your family income. Your provider may be able to help you in applying. To find out, on your own, if you are eligible for help, search online for Child Care Assistance Program. Look for CCAP/How to Apply. There is also a toll-free number 1-877-202-4453.

It may also be a good idea to check with the website of the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services to see if there are any violations. Go to DCFS Daycare compliance. The site has a spot where you type in the name of the provider and any violations will come up.

A lot of people, Armstrong said, do not know of this record and how to check.

Here are some general things to look for in a child care facility, from Armstrong and also from the ChildCare.gov website.

•     Ask how many adults are on hand to care for the children. Armstrong said that the younger the children are, the more the adults are needed. There should be one caregiver for four infants, one caregiver for every five or six 2-year-olds and one adult for every 10 kids ages 5-6.

Armstrong said that the caregivers may or may not be trained. She says to ask about their credentials.

Longevity is a plus, Armstrong said. Find out how long the caregivers have been employed there.

•     Parents should be involved. Ask if there is an open door policy. Can parents drop in? Can you talk to the director at any time?

Is there a handbook? Ask for a copy. Are there parent meetings? Preferably, at least once a quarter.

•     Discipline is an issue that needs to be addressed. The center should not be hitting or yelling at your child.

ChildCare.gov put it this way:

“Ask how the program handles challenging behaviors. Do they use positive guidance strategies (such as giving choices, redirecting behavior, setting limits with follow through, listening and encouraging)?”

•     Equipment and materials of all kinds, including toys and playgrounds, should be clean, appropriate and within reach of the children.

ChildCare.gov said to ask how the facility handles an ill child. When should the child stay home? “What is their process for giving children medication, if applicable?”

The same site encourages keeping an eye out for the center’s hand-washing procedure.

Armstrong said to make sure what times the facility opens and closes so you know when to drop off and pick up your child.

She noted that there are facilities that may have certain culture or religious affiliation. Inquire about that before making your decision.

Likewise, look for a facility that supports diversity and helps children with disabilities. If there is a problem, Armstrong said, it helps if it is identified early and if the center has a list of referrals it can call on for help.

•     Ask about meals and snacks.
•     ChildCare.gov had a couple of other things to look for.
  
  

Look to see how teachers speak with children. It’s a plus if they get down to the child’s eye level by sitting, crouching or kneeling. Does the staff greet each child at the start of the day?

Finally, listen. ChildCare.gov said. Do you hear frequent laughter and play? You should hear a positive, nurturing tone of voice at an appropriate level.