Trusting others with your child is difficult. And these days, finding child care seems nearly impossible. We accept that caregivers might not do things exactly as we would. But deciphering what matters most can be overwhelming.Hiring someone to care for your child can look like a singular caregiver watching them inside or outside of your home, a state-certified facility with a whole staff of caregivers, or anything in between! Regardless of which kind of child care you choose, you should always meet with a prospective caregiver or tour a facility before entrusting others with your child. When looking for child care, there are a few important considerations: availability, safety, cleanliness and cost are the immediate details most parents look at. But there are also policies, ratios and other important factors. Below we’ve outlined factors parents should critically consider when weighing their childcare options.
Safety: When parents are searching for someone to entrust with their child, safety is usually a primary consideration. It’s important to learn about facility access and security, the outdoor environment (playgrounds, sidewalks, etc.), and childproofing measures. Childcare facilities should have clearances, certifications, and other documentation readily available for prospective families to view. Parents should also verify that the staff have necessary and up-to-date qualifications, clearances, and emergency preparedness training. Questions to ask about child care safety:
- What safety measures do you use at drop-off and pickup?
- Can I see your door locks or childproofing measures?
- What are your emergency procedures for an intruder, fire, tornado, etc.?
Cleanliness: Sanitation goes hand-in-hand with safety. Verify that the facilities, staff or caregiversdemonstrate good hygiene and cleanliness. Inquire how often the facility is deep-cleaned or sanitized. You can even ask what procedures are in place for children around meals or bathroom visits. Some questions to ask about child care cleanliness:
- How often do you sanitize toys and high-touch zones?
- Do you wash carpets and floors regularly?
- How often do children wash their hands during the day?
Staffing: When touring a prospective child care facility, observe how the staff and children interact. It’s important to ensure that there are enough staff to properly care for thenumber of children present. If you choose to go with a babysitter or nanny, allow plenty of time to watch how they interact with your child while you’re present. Questions to ask about child care staffing:
- Are you/is your staff CPR certified?
- What is your retention/turnover like?
- What kind of background checks or clearances do the staff have?
Cost: Cost is another important factor. However, many parents also consider what’s includedin the cost. For example, a facility that costs less than competitors may not providemeals. This would create an additional cost (as well as time commitment and stressor) for you.Questions to ask about child care costs:
- What is included in the cost?
- What happens if we are late to pay?
- Are there any additional fees (for supplies or meals, for example) in addition to the base cost?
Activities or Curriculum: Look for developmentally appropriate toys, activities and structures. Check to see ifchildren play outside, and for how long. If certain styles of teaching (such as Montessori,religious integration, etc.) are important to you, inquire about those. You may also want to ask how staff meets the needs of diverse learners.
If you opt for a single caregiver, find out if your babysitter is willing and able to take yourchild to different activities. See if the caregiver can provide a list of crafts or activities or if he/she is willing to implement a list you create. Questions to ask about child care curriculum and activities:
- How much do the children go outside?
- Do they have opportunities for independent play?
- Can you share some activities you do to encourage motor skills, speech development,critical thinking, etc.?
Policies: Policies encompass discipline, sickness, attendance, communication, and more. You will want to make special note of the policies relating to discipline and attendance. For example, if your child misbehaves, should you expect a call or a detailed written note? Will the school inform you at all? Find out if and when you’ll be notified should there bea safety or discipline incident. Questions to ask about child care policies:
- What is your vacation or attendance policy?
- At what point do you call a parent about behavioral issues?
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
Entrusting others with your little one can be scary. Hopefully these questions will help guide you in finding the best care for your child!