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Choosing Your Child's Caregiver

© Julie Renaud

After a hurried breakfast, a long commute and a tearful goodbye you finally arrive at your job - ready to work. Or are you? Can you focus 100% on your job, or is your mind still back at the child care program? What is your child going to experience today? Do you feel completely confident that she will have a wonderful day, filled with stimulating activities, each need met by a nurturing individual with only your child's needs in mind? Will she be safe? Happy? Will she grow and develop to her fullest potential or just get by?

If these questions make you uncomfortable you are not alone. Every day thousands of families ask themselves these same questions. They too are wondering if they have chosen a program or an individual who will provide the care that their child, every child, deserves. How do they know?

Whether you are preparing to choose a child care provider or your child is already in care, consider the following checklist as guide to choosing quality child care. Look for:

A low child to adult ratio. The fewer children per adult the more attention your child will receive. Even the best caregiver cannot provide quality care if she is responsible for too many children.

A small overall group size. A ratio of three children for each adult is great, unless there are 18 toddlers and six teachers all crowded together in one room. The environment cannot help but become chaotic.

A variety of age-appropriate toys. The toys should be appropriate for the age of the child, available to the child without always having to ask an adult, and there should be enough toys for everyone.

A variety of activities. The daily routine should include periods of quiet play and active play, both teacher-directed and child-directed activities, rest periods and outdoor play.

Caregivers who are genuinely warm and caring, happy to be with the children. Observe programs at transition times such as arrival, departure or lunch time. These are the most difficult times for children and caregivers both. How well does the caregiver handle these situations?

An open door policy. Parents should be welcome to visit at any time. Programs that require you to call ahead or wait in the lobby while they retrieve your child should be avoided.

Caregivers with training and experience. Both are important to the quality of care your child receives. Ask about the caregiver's education and experience and plans for continuing education.

The copyright of the article Choosing Your Child's Caregiver in Child Care Information is owned by Julie Renaud. Permission to republish Choosing Your Child's Caregiver in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.