Choosing Child Care for Preschool Children.
Information Sheet

"Choosing child care: a matter of choice not chance"



You love your children and want the best for them. The care they receive in your absence is essential to their health and security
and to your peace of mind. Choosing child care is a big decision for parents because of its importance to the health, well-being and development of thier child. This information is designed to assist parents in locating and choosing quality care to meet
the needs of thier child and family. Should you require additional information on a specific area please call your local:

Child Care Information and Support Program
869-2111
Memory Lane Family Place 22 Memory Lane, Sackville N.S. B4C 2J3



Indicators of quality care for infant and toddlers

All children need warm, nurturing caregivers who understand and respond to their needs.
They need environments that keep them safe and healthy.
Routines that are ageappropriate, respond to individual needs, and stimulate growth and development.
When these variables come together, they form the base of quality care.

Knowledgeable caregiver:
A quality caregiver is one who is aware of the developmental needs of preschool children;
knowledge gained though experience and/or training. The caregiver should be mature and competent in handling a variety of situations
pertaining to the care of children and families. She should take the time to know each child on an individual bases
and respond to their needs quickly and consistenly. By receiving prompt, personal care and attention from thier caregiver,
preschoolers build trusting relationships. These attachments make a child feel secure and lay the groundwork for healthy growth and development. Continuity of caregiver is an important factor in quality care.

Child Adult Ratios:
In order for a caregiver to provide children with appropriate supervision, individual care and attention,
adequate child-adult ratios are essential. Child care ratios in Nova Scotia are as follows?

Private home care: Under the Provincial Day Care Act an individual may care for 6 children of mixed ages
including her children less than 12 years.
Centre based care: In day care sentres the ratio is one adult per 8 children with a group size of 24

Environment:
Children need surroundings that are clean, bright and have a comfortable temperature.
It is vital that this space is child proofed and free some hazards.
Quality environments provide interesting, age appropriate toys and materials for children to explore. toys and equipment both
inside and out should be clean, in good repair and met safety standards.
Eating, sleeping and washroom facilities require special attention.
To protect children's health and safety, they need to be clean, well ventilated and functional for young children.
Hand washing and other health practices should be part of each routine.

Daily routines:
Preschool children are active learners, so it is important that they are offered a variety of age appropriate experiences
and activities to stimulate development. Day care centres have program and activity plans posted on the center's bulletin board. Private home caregivers may also have a daily routine that they follow. At a minimum, a child's day should invlude opportunities for:
  • indoor and outdoor play
  • active and quiet play.
  • a choice of activities-some directed by a caregiver and others choosen by children
  • nap or rest time
  • nutritious meanla and snacks

Commincation:
Quality care welcomes parental involvment and visits at any time during the day.
There should be time set aside at the beginning and end of each day for parent and
caregiver to exchange information about how the child's day or night went. Open lines of communication are critical
for both the welfare of the child and the health of the parent/caregiver relationship.

Choosing child care is a personal decision based on your values, and the needs of your child and family.
It is a good idea for parents to consider carefully what qualities they are looking for in a caregiver and an environment.
As in all things, some compromises may be required when choosing care.
These compromises however should be in areas that do place the child at risk.
Parents need to listen to their intuitions, if you choose carefully, and base your decision on what is important ,
to you for your child; you are bound to make the best choice





Your Child Care Search

Finding child care is a task that takes time, ebergy and careful consideration.
Parents may have an idea of the type of care they want, but it is a good idea to keep an open mind and explore
all possible options. Arrange to visit as many types of care as time will allow before making a final decision.
Finding child care can be a long process, by beginning your search early you increase your options
and odds of finding the care you want and need.
Following are some steps to assist you in your search.

STEP 1: Determine your needs and those of your child.
Consider how each of the following might factor into your search and options:

Hours and Days:
  • How soon do you need care to begin?
  • Do you need full-day or part-day care? Full week or part week?
  • Do your hours change , requiring flexibilty in your childcare schedule?


Cost of care:
  • What can you afford to pay?
  • Is there any assistance you may be eligible for such as a provincial child care subsidy?

Location
  • Would you perfer child care close to home or close to work?
  • Do you need child care near public transporation?
  • Who will be picking up and dropping off your child?

Consider yours and your child's needs
  • What is your child's personality? Activity level? Interests?
  • How is your child's health? Do they have any health conditions or allergies?
  • how does your child react to seperation and changes in environment?
  • Do you have any specific concerns?
    What information do you feel it is important for a caregiver to know about your child?


STEP 2: Locating Services
  • Talk to family, friends, and co-workers to inquire if they know a caregiver or day care centre with openings.
  • Call day care centres in your community that have a suitable location. A listing of licensed childcare centres is
    available by contacting your local Child Care Information and Support Program.
  • Check child care ads in the classified section of local newspapers and job search web sites and Bargain Hunter publication.
    Check job search sites on the internet, community bulletin boards in corner stores, farmers markets, libraries, playgroups, and community mailboxes. Some have a listing of people who provide home care.


STEP 3: screen your options
Once you've identified a possible arrangement, call to see if it will meet your needs. Before placing this call, refer to
your list of needs and make a list of questions you want to ask. Use the same list when contacting each centre or caregiver.
Possible questions to ask:
  • What are your hours/days of operation?
  • Where are you located?
  • Do you have any openings for children aged ___?
  • How many childrendo you care for? What are their ages?
  • What are your fees? What is included in these fees? Do you give receipts?
  • What activities and routines make up a typical day?
  • Do you have experience/training caring for preschoolers? Do you have First Aid/CPR?
  • how long have you been providing care? Do you have references?

If the answers to these questions meet your needs and expectations, arrange a time to visit the centre or home.
As this is a screening visit, you may want to consider going on your own. Including young children at this time can cause
them to become anxious, being faced with new people and environments.
Once you have narrowed your search to a couple of options you can arrange a second visit including your child.

STEP 4: Visit the day care center or home
Following are some points to consideration when visiting a child care centre or home.
  • Does the home or centre have a welcoming, comfortable feel?
    Does it appear to be well maintained and clean?
    Does the place look safe for your child?
  • Do the caregivers appear to enjoy talking to and playing with children?
  • Does the caregiver talk with children on their level and respond to their questions?
  • Do they respond quickly and appropriatly to a child's distress?
  • Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within the child's reach?
    Are toys and equipment clean, comfortable and age appropraite?
  • When you listen do you hear happy voices of children involved in their play?
    Do caregiver voices sound patient and happy?
    Is there a genuine fondness for the children?
  • Count the number of children in the group. Then count the number of staff members caring for them.
    Do they meet with regulations? Do you get the impression that the caregiver can handle the number of children in her care?
  • Where do the children eat, sleep and play? Are these areas safe, with secure boundaries?
  • licensed child care centers are required to meet standards of care for health and safety,
    staff training, ratios, mutririon, programming and equipment.
    These are minimal standards, and do not assure qualty care.
    Check that the centre has a current license displayed and a copy of the daycare act.


STEP 5: Interview the caregiver
Clear , open lines of communication are very important in arranging and maintaining your child care arrangement.
Following are some questions to consider when interviewing a potential caregiver.

  • How is the caregiver's day set up to meet the needs of active preschoolers? What routines and activities make up a typical day?
    Do these routines fit your child's schedule? How flexable are routines?
  • What experience/training does the caregiver have in caring for preschoolers?
  • Does she have first aid/ CPR? how would she handle an emergency?
    Are there smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and an evacuation plan?
  • Ask about teh length of time caregivers have been caring for children and how long she plans to continue?
    Continuity of care is an important factor. Ask day care directors if staff are rotated, and how often?
  • Listen carefully when the caregiver speaks to get a sense of her philosophy in caring for children.
    Is it similar to yours? Ask her what she feels is important to provide good care for infants and toddlers.
  • What are the caregiver's views on feeding, weaning, toilet training? Do you agree with these views?
  • What are the caregiver's views on guiding children's behavior discipline? Do you agree?
  • What is the policy if child becomes sick?
  • What does she enjoy about caring for this age group?
  • Are the children taken on outtings during the day? Who provides the care seat?
    Does the caregiver have adequate Auto and Liability Insurance?
  • What do parents provide? (Food, milk, diapers, bedding)
  • If the caregiver provides food, what type and is it nutritious?
    Is there a menu you can see? Day care centres have a menu posted on centre's bulletin board.
    Some private home caregivers may also have a menu. In either settiing there should be a process for letting
    you know what, and how much your child ate that day.
  • Discuss cost of the care? Any additional charges? What is included in this fee? When is it due?
    Do parents pay for sick and absent days? Does caregiver give receipts?
  • Are parents welcome to come by at any time without calling?
  • Does caregiver have references?


STEP 6: Evaluate

Before committing to any child care arrangement, take time to consider the information you have collected,
check references, ask yourself if the home or center has?
  • A nuturing, competent caregiver?
  • A safe, nurturing environment with long term possibilties?
  • A reasonable travel distance?
  • Affordable fees?
  • Similar values in caring for your child?

If you determine that this arrangement will meet the needs of your child and family, arrange a time to visit with
your child to gage their reaction. Ask to have written agreement outlining hours, fees etc.
The information presented is designed to meet the needs of parents choosing child care in private homes or cetre based care.
Some questions and information may pertain more to one type of care than the other.
Information on hiring and interviewing a caregiver to come to your home is also available.

Best of luck in your search. >br>

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