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. Selecting an appropriate child care arrangement is a very important responsibility for parents. Child care options available to parents in HRM are:
Licensed child care facilities: are provided in a facility designed for children and meet
regulations specified in the Day Care Act.
Family Day Care: care provided in approved, monitored homes in the community by a licensed child care agency. (this type of care is subsidised.)
Unregulated Child Care: care provided by individuals in private residences. Other than regulation pertaining to numbers of children in care, this form of care is unregulated.
Care by relatives in your home or theirs.
regulations specified in the Day Care Act.
Family Day Care: care provided in approved, monitored homes in the community by a licensed child care agency. (this type of care is subsidised.)
Unregulated Child Care: care provided by individuals in private residences. Other than regulation pertaining to numbers of children in care, this form of care is unregulated.
Care by relatives in your home or theirs.
The Nova Scotia Day Care Act and Regulations state that a license from the Department of Community Services is required to care for more than 6 children of any age, or more than 8 children of school age, including the caregivers children. Any person caring for more than the allowable numbers is operating an illegal day care and risk being prosecuted, fined and possible imprisoment.
To qualify for a license, an operator must meet requirements stated in the Day Care Act and Regulations. These reguirements address issues such as staff training, adult-child ratios, minimal health and safety standards,
and environment and daily program. Licensed child care facilities are inspected
for compliance with regulation on an average of once a year.
To qualify for a license, an operator must meet requirements stated in the Day Care Act and Regulations. These reguirements address issues such as staff training, adult-child ratios, minimal health and safety standards,
and environment and daily program. Licensed child care facilities are inspected
for compliance with regulation on an average of once a year.
Weather a parent chooses child care in the regulated or unregulated sector it is the parents responsibility to be an active partner in their child care arrangment, which entails screening potential caregivers, daily communication with caregivers and monitoring their child's care. Choosing QUALITY child care makes a big difference in the future of your child. By choosing quality care now, you give your child a head start on a strong mind, body and spirit plus a better chance for future success. So take your time in choosing child care. Compare your choices. Ask plenty of questions. Following are some general points about choosing quality child care.
"The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and the Memory Lane Family Place and not necessarily represent the views of the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services" |
Determine Your Families Needs
Determine your families need in relation to number of children needing care, hours of care,
how much you can afford to pay, your childs age, personality and health.
how much you can afford to pay, your childs age, personality and health.
Questions to ask when screening potential child care options:
- What are your hours/days of operation?
- Where are you located?
- Do you have any openings for child(ren) aged ______?
- How many children do 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 typoical 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?
What to look for when visiting a home or centre:
- Does the home or center 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 and playing with children?
- Does the caregiver talk to children on their level and respond to their questions?
- Do they respond quickly and appropriately to a child's distress?
- Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within a child's reach?
- Are toys and equipment clean, comfortable and age appropriate?
- When you listen do you hear the happy voices of children involved in their play?
- Do caregivers 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 caring for them.
Does this meet the regulations? - Do you get the impression the caregiver can handle the number of children in their care?
- Where do the children eat, sleep and play?
- Are these areas safe, clean, and have secure boundaries?
For additional information and services to assist you in Choosing Child Care contact the:
CCIS
Child Care Information & Support Program
Memory Lane Family Place
22 Memory Lane
Lower Sackville N.S.
B4C 2J3
Tel: 902-869-2111 Fax: 902-864-4998
CCIS
Child Care Information & Support Program
Memory Lane Family Place
22 Memory Lane
Lower Sackville N.S.
B4C 2J3
Tel: 902-869-2111 Fax: 902-864-4998
| Funding for this project is by: The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services Early Childhood Development Initiative. Sponsorship provided by the Sackville Family Day Care Association and Memory Lane Family Place. |
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