It’s a fact. Most tots and toddlers spend the majority of their waking moments in child-care programs. Child care comes in many forms both private and public and should be chosen to meet your needs and the needs of your child. Start your child-care search by asking family and friends for recommendations or contact a local referral agency. Once you have a list of potential caregivers, conduct interviews with them, visit their sites and ask for parent references. When visiting child-care centers you should consider these traits:
Look for staffing ratios that are small.
The temperament of the caregiver should be warm and caring.
Look for an environment that is clean, comfortable and cheerful.
Child-care daily routines are important, yet there should be enough variety to stimulate your child’s development.
Child-care providers should have developmentally appropriate toys for each age group.
Inspect indoor and outdoor play areas for safe equipment and adequate space.
Meals and snacks should provide healthy nutrition.
Parents should be informed of the day-to-day activities of their child
Parents should sense that their child is important to the caregivers.
All local licensing standards should be upheld.
Child-care providers should make your child’s safety a top priority.
While cost and convenience are important considerations in selecting care, parents should also consider what is the best child-care arrangement based upon their children’s ages, abilities, interests and personalities. Contact your local Office of Family Support or school board for information pertaining to the different child-care options that may be available to you.
(This article appeared in the fall 2005 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.)
1/6/2006 11:33:42 PM
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