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Getting Started: What is Important to You and Your Child?
Before you choose a child care provider, it is important to
understand what you want for your child. Make a list of
things that are important to you, such as a non-smoking
environment, no television other than developmental
programs, children of the same age, someone who speaks the
same language, picking up your child at noon when you are
finished work, etc.
It is
also very important at this stage to know what your child’s
personal needs are. If your child needs a lot of one-on-one
attention, or prefers quiet play alone, a program with many
other children may not be the best place.
There
are several different types of care to consider for your
child including day care centers, family day homes, child
development centers, etc.
Keep
in mind that some of these programs may not be available in
your community. Programs may run part time (day care
provided for less than five consecutive hours per day), full
time (day care provided for a period of five or more
consecutive hours per day), or after school.
There
are types of child care programs that are not licensed, such
as babysitting, however if a person is caring for more than
four children including their own, the program must be
licensed. Licensed programs are inspected every year by the
fire and health inspectors and early childhood program
staff. They must meet the minimum standards set out in the
Northwest Territories Child Day Care Act and Child
Day Care Standards Regulations. Should you have concerns
or questions about licensing,
Contact
your Regional Early Childhood Consultant
Once
you have reviewed your needs and those of your child and
learned the different types of care that are available in
your community, you will want to start shopping for the care
provider that is best for your family.
You
will save yourself a lot of time if you make a list of
questions before you phone or visit a care provider. For
example, the care provider you have chosen may not be able
to provide the hours of care you require.
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Here
are a few things you might want to ask the child care
provider when you visit them:
What
qualifications/experience do you and the staff have?
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How many
staff members are there?
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What types of
activities are planned for the children?
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Will the
children play outside?
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What is your
discipline policy?
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Do you have
any pets in the facility?
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Do you allow
junk food/television/smoking?
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Where will
the children nap?
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Where are
diapers changed?
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May I see the
toys, furniture and equipment children will use?
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Do I have to
pay if my child is sick or on holidays?
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How do I pay
you – for example, in cash every Friday?
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Do you issue
receipts?
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How much
notice do you or I need to provide if either of us wants to
end the childcare arrangement or go on holidays?
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In a family
day home situation, do you have an alternative caregiver
that you use for times when you are sick or on holidays?
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May I drop in
unannounced?
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What kind of
insurance coverage do you have?
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Will there be
others in your home on a regular basis while the children
are there, such as a spouse or other children?
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Would you be
willing to ask a few parents of children you currently care
for, or have cared for in the past, to contact me so I may
question them about their experiences with your child care
program?
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What supplies
will I have to provide?
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Are you
licensed?
If
possible, visit the facility before placing your child
there. Quietly watch what is going on and ask questions. Do
the children seem happy and well adjusted? Do you like what
you see? Can you picture your child in the environment?
Trust your intuition.
When
you have found the right care provider for your child, it is
important to have an agreement in writing to avoid
misunderstandings. It should specify the date care is to
start, the fees, days and hours of care, what will happen in
case of illness, holidays, or termination of the agreement,
etc.
Visit
the child care facility as often as you can. Talk with the
staff. Listen to your child. Go to parent meetings. Get
involved.
As
time goes on, it may become necessary to change your child
care arrangements. You or your care provider may move. Your
care provider may not look after toddlers. If a change does
become necessary, follow the same steps as outlined above to
find the best quality care for your family.
If
you require more information, we urge you to get resources
from the library, talk to other parents, or We
also encourage you to read the information featured in our
Checklist for Parents |
