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Guidelines to Finding the Best Child Care
By Luca Jenkin
Child in our parents' day meant grandparents, aunts or uncles to watch out for the kids. Not so in our brave new smaller world. Today’s working parents know that finding good childcare is a necessity and not a luxury. So whether you are a single-parent or a two-parent family the following guidelines will help you decide on the best available child in your area.

Most of us do not have a money tree in the yard, so it becomes an exhausting process looking for the best child you can afford. Be warned: if you jump at the first place you find then what you may find is the old adage of decide in a hurry and repent at leisure! Your options include day at a center, placing your child in a care-giver’s home, or private, individual in your own home. Look at the options carefully and do not assume what works for a friend or family member will work for you and your child. Using a state licensed provider or facility will provide added peace of mind.

Getting a list of reputable child providers is your first action. This can be from a local non profit organization, or you will find them listed in the phone book or internet. Letting your fingers do the walking, followed by a telephone conversation is not sufficient for success: you must make time to visit the facility and talk to those who will provide the – get the ‘feel’ of the place! And ask lots of questions.

You will want child-oriented daycare rather than a center that is profit-oriented. They should be willing to discuss the adult to child staff ratio. This ratio gives a good idea if your child’s individual need for attention as well as to socialize in small groups will be met. For example, the recommended ratios are 1 to 3-4 for babies; 1 to 4-6 for under threes and 1 to 10 for age three to five. These are guidelines and do not guarantee safety. Note also that your State may have different requirements. You will want to avoid the potential chaos that can result

from too few supervisors for too many children, so choose a center that regularly exceeds these minimums, if you can.

Make sure you check out the credentials of any center or care-giver you consider. You should ask about background, and see certificates, licenses, supplemental training, and names of child and development schools attended. An open-minded and conscientious daycare center or care-giver will be happy to give references and expect them to be followed up. They will also willingly allow inspections.

The faithfulness of a parent’s love and for a child is a big, big part of his security. If you cannot be home with him, then do not be afraid to allow him to attach himself to someone you trust. He will not love you any less for it, but will be strengthened by the secure environment you are creating for him. A secure, consistent environment is one of the biggest gifts you can give your child; therefore do not accept a center with a high turnover of staff.

What other considerations are there? There are many. The qualities of the care-giver – cheerful, positive, caring. Does my child take to her immediately? How are parents treated: are you welcome to stop in at anytime? What can I afford? There are various subsidized programs if you need help. Where should I look – near work or home? Will traveling there add to the cost? And one further thing: check for any regulation violations or complaints against the center or staff.

You want your child to work for both of you, so don’t jump into the first one you find. Taking time will protect your child from an unsatisfactory experience. Take a few days to mull over and review any contracts and you will have more chance of both being happy with your decision. Look online for sites that give advice if you’ve any more questions, eg. http://www.childcareaware.org/en/ is a great help. I wish you the blessing of knowing the best solution for you and your child.
Copyright 2006 Luca Jenkin. All rights reserved. Luca Jenkin is the webmaster for Flexi Childcare which is a leading on-line source of childcare information for parents and carers on the internet. For more information visit his website here: www.flexichildcare.com/

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