Steps To Choosing Care For Your Little One!

-Start Early: Start looking as far in advance as you can (spaces can be limited)

No matter what type of care you are considering a child care center or care in someone else's home finding the right child care option can take some time.

-Make a Call: Begin your search by calling your local experts

Referrals from other parents and can give you the facts about child care, and a list of child care options in your area that may meet your needs.

In addition check out online resources like Websites and Social media pages for info.

-Visit and Ask Questions: Find out about these key indicators of quality

• -Adult to Child Ratio. Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the children for each adult, the better for your child. You want your child to get plenty of attention. The younger your child, the more important this is.
• -Qualifications. Ask about the caregivers' training and education. Caregivers with diplomas or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn. Are the caregivers involved in activities to improve their skills? Do they attend classes and workshops?
• Turnover. Check how long caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. It's best if children stay with the same caregiver at least a year. Caregivers who come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent learning new things.

-Make a Choice: Think about what you saw at each visit

Make the best choice for your child and family. Believe me not all childcare centers that are Licensed and Certified are the same. Centers and Home-based Childcare that follow Government Regulations are a starting point and really offer the most in the way of a guaranty of quality. But so many other individual factors can come into account that only an informed and proactive approach will enhance the likelihood of your child and family getting the most from this precious decision.

-Stay Involved: You and your child's caregiver are partners now.

Here are some ways to be involved:

• Go to parent meetings regularly, and ask questions.
• Offer to volunteer time when needed, like participating activity days, decorating, etc.
• Be there for your child's special parties.
• Visit your child at child care and read a book aloud.

Even if you can't get time off from work during the day, Ask the caregiver how things are going, and how your child is doing at drop-off or pickups. Visiting and participating in events at your child's provider sends a strong message. It tells your child and your child's caregiver that you think what your child is doing and learning is important