 |
- Home
> Family
Services > Searching
for Quality Child Care >
Considerations
in Finding Care
PLANNING
AHEAD : If possible, plan ahead. This will maximize the options
available to you. Give yourself at least 4 to 6 weeks to arrange
care. If this is not possible, don't panic try and make temporary
arrangements with friends or relatives until you can find permanent
care so you won't feel rushed in making a decision. Choosing care in
a hurry might result in a negative experience for you and your
child. It takes hard work to access the options available and make
your decision. Finding the right care makes it the most worthwhile
of pursuits.
YOUR
CHILD'S AGE : Very young children need to be in an environment that
is nurturing and has a low child to provider ratio. On the other
hand school-age children need an environment that fosters growth and
independence. What are your child's development needs?
YOUR
CHILD'S TEMPERAMENT : An outgoing verbal child is more likely to
thrive on the stimulation provided in a group setting. On the other
hand, a quiet, shy child needs an environment where his/her needs
will not be overlooked. Where will your child feel more confident.
In which environment will his/her needs be met?
Additional
information is included below. You can jump directly to a
topic by clicking the links below or simply scroll through the
various sections.
- Timing:
When to Start Looking
Many
child care centers have waiting lists for interested families, so
you should begin your search well in advance of the time you will
need care. Infant and toddler care can be especially difficult to
find due to high demand and small group sizes, so you may need to
begin your search for infant care from the time you learn you are
pregnant or scheduled for an adoption. For center-based care, try to
visit several centers at least one year before you anticipate
needing care. To find out about the availability of care in your
area, call or email us.
Many
family child care providers do not have a waiting list, and fill
openings as they arise, so it is a good idea to start your visits
four to six months before you need care. Depending on availability,
you might have to wait longer than you had planned, so having a
back-up child care arrangement to cover you until a slot opens is
important.
Here
are some questions to consider and ask during your visit:
- Does
the center have a waiting list?
- How
many children are on the waiting list for your child’s age
group? How often is the list updated?
- Many
centers have a sibling-preference policy; how many siblings are
on the list and how will this affect your chances of getting a
slot?
- How
does the enrollment process work? Is it open or rolling
enrollment, or is enrollment done only once a year?
- Is
there an application fee for getting on the waiting list?
If
you are considering a family child care home, will the provider
keep in touch with you as openings occur?
>
return to top
- Your
Family Situation and Your Child's Needs
To
narrow down your choices of child care settings, think carefully
about your child's needs and how they would best be satisfied in
various environments. If your child has special needs your search
for child care may be a little more involved, and you'll have
several options to consider. Keep all these factors in mind as you
look at a variety of child care situations:
- Does
she do best in a small group, or in a larger group with a lot of
activity and contact with other children?
- Does
your child have special scheduling needs, is she toilet trained,
does she need lots of room to run around?
- Does
your child bond with others easily, or handle separations well?
- Would
your child benefit from having one provider vs. a group of
teachers in her daily life?
Your
choice of child care will depend not only upon the age and
developmental stage of your child, but also on your needs as a
family. Think about your schedule, your financial constraints, and
the location of your workplace. If you need early drop-off times or
late pickups, make sure you ask about the program's hours and late
fees. The more flexible your schedule, the more choices you will
have.
>
return to top
- If
Your Child Has Special Needs
The
Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees children with
disabilities the opportunity to participate in all activities of
community life, including attending child care. But just because
child care programs are available to your child doesn't mean that
all child care settings will work for you.
You
need to look for a setting that suits your child's individual needs,
and a provider with whom you are comfortable. Contact us to get a
list of providers that have experience caring for children with
various disabilities. You can also talk with your Early Intervention
provider and other parents to see whom they have used.
If
your child has significant medical needs, you should look closely at
the setting. Is there a good adult-to-child ratio? Will there always
be an adult available to care for your child? Will they take the
time necessary to work with your child? If your child has sensory
issues, make sure the environment isn't overly stimulating for him.
Some children may need a smaller group to thrive, while others will
do best with lots of peer interaction. You have to decide which
environment will optimize your child's potential and participation.
You
need to consider other factors as well, including the provider's
communication system. Will you get the kind of in-depth information
you're looking for every day? Check into the discipline policy and
make sure the center is willing to work within a special behavioral
plan, if your child needs one. Ask about the center's rate of staff
turnover. If your child requires a consistent routine or has trouble
with transitions, you need a center with a stable staff.
If
there is a child with special needs in the class, go to the center
to observe how the child is included in activities. Bring your child
in and see how she is accepted by the other children and the staff.
The most important thing is to find a teacher who is willing to
learn about your child's needs and is open to making adaptations, if
necessary.
>
return to top
|
