Child Care Should Be A Home Away From Home

With more and more parents needing to work to make ends meet, its only natural that more kids are spending an increasing amount of time in day care each week. The subject of daycare for babies and children is sometimes controversial, especially for those who believe that parents don't spend enough quality time with their children. However, there are pros and cons to each side of the argument.

One of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent is choosing quality child care for your child. Every child is special and unique and deserves the best start possible. Studies reveal that a high quality child care program will help children become more ready for school which increases their chances to succeed. Research also indicates that employers benefit when their employees' children are in quality child care arrangements. Parents are more productive and focused on work knowing their children are being nurtured and interacted with in ways that promotes all areas of their development. The confidence in care creates a win-win situation for everyone: parents, children and employers.

Questions to Ask When Choosing Child Care

About the facility:

1. Is the license posted?
2. Is the facility safe? Clean? Secure? Free of health hazards?
3. Is there adequate aspace for indoor and outdor activities?
4. Is there a place for your child to nap? A quiet place?
5. Someplace to temporarily isolate a sick child?
6. Is the provider a participant in the Child amnd Adult Care Food Program?
7. Are meals and snacks served? What are they like?
8. Does each child have a place for personal belongings?
9. What are the fees and other costs? Can you afford them?
10. Are emergency numbers posted by the telephone?
11. Are electrical outlets covered with safety caps?
12. Are fire extinguishers/smoke alarms installed?
13. Are there first aid supplies available in classrooms?
14. Do caregivers have first aid and CPR training?
15. Do children wash hands before eating and after toileting?