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As a board member for our local childcare association I often help parents looking for childcare.  Here is my handout that I give to parents.  HTH  

From Sheril
Ceres Childcare & Preschool
Now enrolling ages 2-5 for 2008/2009 Morning Preschool!                                            

How to Select a Child Care

Making the best choice of child care for your child takes time, but is well worth the effort.  Here are three basic steps to follow when choosing a provider :

1.List your child care needs or preferences.  

2.Contact several facilities to determine which ones are most likely to meet these needs.

3.Visit the most promising facilities, taking your child with you if possible. 

 Listing Your Needs Although all children have the same basic needs your child will have particular needs of which only you, as a parent, are aware. For example, perhaps your child needs lots of quiet time. If that is the case, a large, busy center may not be the best choice. It is important to ensure your child’s needs can be met in the center you choose.

Some points to consider are:

1.Your child’s age.

2.The types of activities your child enjoys.

 3.The number and ages of children your child enjoys being with.

4.Any food allergies or food preferences that must be accommodated.

Some other questions to consider are:

1.What is your philosophy about child care or discipline?

2.If you have more than one child, would you prefer them to be in the same child care?

3.Do you need care during shift work, overtime or during holidays?

4.Are you willing or able to provide snacks or meals?

5.Does the provider need to be near home, work or transportation?6.How much can you afford to pay, and how and when? 

Contacting a Child Care:To find out about child care in your community.

1.Talk to friends and neighbors about their experiences with child care.

2. Look in the phone book or newspaper under Child Care.

3. Child Care Resource and Referral 238-6400.

4. Stanislaus Family Child Care Association 544-9225 http://sfcca.org/childcareproviders.html

When visiting a Child Care check:

1.Facility and equipment.

2.Is space arranged for children to freely choose activities?

3.Are toys and equipment in reach of all children?

4.Do toys and equipment suit the age(s) and size(s) of all children?

5.Are there enough toys for the number of children?

Program of Daily Activities

1.Can children choose from a variety of activities?

2.Do activities suit the ages of the children?

3.Do children appear relaxed and involved in activities?

4.Is there a provision for outdoor play?

Nutrition

1.Is the weekly menu posted and followed; are changes noted?

2.Does food for all children meet Federal Food Guide?

3.Do providers sit with children during meals?

Health and Safety

1.Do providers and children wash their hands before and after diapering or toiletting?

2.Are medications stored in a locked container, out of reach of children?

3.Are there written instructions for emergency evacuations and fire drills?

4.Is all indoor and outdoor equipment clean and safe?

Discipline

1.Is there a written discipline policy given to parents?

2.Is no physical punishment allowed?

3.Do providers set reasonable limits with children and explain the consequences of behavior?

My husband and I are seperating, and I am going to need a childcare facility for my 3 year old and 1 year old. It feels so stressful to know my marriage is ending, let alone not knowing where is a safe place for my children whenI am not there. Any advice how to cope with being a single mom? I never planned for my life to turn out his way, Do any of us?

I bascially asked everyone I knew who used childcare and then I went and visited a lot of places. 

At home care was never something I was comfortable with so I never looked in that direction. 

About a year in-a-half ago I moved my girls from the preschool they had been going to since they were 6 months old to a better preschool.  My husband and I observed it going downhill  (teachers ignoring kids, talking on cell phones, turning the TV on daily., etc.) so we went back out, asked a lot of questions and then toured some places.

It isn't an easy decision. 

Right now my youngest is at Grace Lutheran Preschool and we love it!  I highly recommend it to people that like a structured environment.

One tip: I never made appointments to show up.  I dropped in unannounced so that I could really get a feel for things instead of getting a "show".

Oh the agony! Can you trust anyone? will they hold them when they need to be held? Will they treat them with as much love as you do? I agonized over this for months when I knew I had to go back to work and leave Ava with a stranger. Referrals are your best resource. I found my provider through a family member and got lucky. I have my children in in home care. I personnally felt I wanted them in a home and not a center where they were more likely to become a number. You should contact your local Childcare Referral Resource Center(in the phone book). They have helpful check lisits to consider like: Is the provider patient, do they treat your children like they are special, do they have any exemptions on thier license, etc. I have now decided to begin my own home daycare and am in the process of getting my licsence. The Social Services can give you a lot of good information regarding choosing the correct provider. Best wishes for you and your little one :)