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Child Care
Find a Healthy and Safe Environment for Your Child
Working Parents
Today, the majority of parents with young kids
work. This means that most parents, at one point or another, have
to put their child in the capable hands of another adult.Some parents have mixed emotions about leaving their child with another family member, babysitter, or day care − often feeling guilty or sad. These reactions are normal and show that there is a strong bond between you and your child.
Finding the right child care situation is a very personal decision for parents. It is also one of the most important decisions a parent can make, since the care children receive will help shape their development.
Just remember that a child's brain develops through interaction with you and the world. Your child can absolutely thrive in high-quality child care − and you can reap the benefits of going back to work and taking care of your family's other needs.
Choosing Quality Child Care
Your child deserves the best. That includes the best child care. A child's early experiences create the foundation for lifelong learning and affect how he thinks, feels, acts, and plays with others.
Since selecting a child care provider is so important, be patient and start looking early. It can take time to find the best caregiver for your child. If you are pregnant and you know you will be returning to work after giving birth, start looking into child care options as early as the second trimester or six months beforehand if possible.
- Child Care Options
In California, 62 percent of kids under 5 spend at least part of their day with a caregiver. There are many different types of caregivers:
Each type of child care offers different advantages for you and your child. Also, different child care scenarios can be more expensive than others. The most important thing is to figure out what you prefer and what feels most comfortable for your family.
Identify your priorities.
Before you start your search, you need to decide what you want.- Do you want someone to come into your home?
- Are you looking for child care near where you work or close to your home?
- Do you want your child to be around a lot of other kids or have the full attention of one adult?
- Do you prefer to leave your child in the care of a professional child care provider, or a trusted relative or friend?
- Do you need a full-time or part-time child care arrangement?
Research your options.
Dig around to find what options might be a good fit for your family.- Ask friends and family who they have placed their children with.
- Get a list of referrals from a caregiver or child care center you're interested in. Ask the references whether the caregiver was reliable and about their overall experiences with the individual or center.
- Call the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network at 1-800-543-7793.
Arrange a visit and interview the provider.
Whether you're hiring a nanny or placing your child in a child care center, you need to arrange a visit and meet the child care provider in person.- Ask about hours, fees, vacation schedules, and sick days.
- Ask about important issues such as discipline, toilet training, feeding, and sleeping.
- Get a schedule of the day's activities and the center or caregiver's policies.
- Look for a provider who is experienced in caring for young children.
Trust your instincts
Search for a caregiver that you and your child like.- Watch how the caregiver interacts with your child.
- Monitor how your child reacts to seeing and leaving the caregiver.
- Walk away from any situation in which you feel uncomfortable.
- What to Look For
- How does the staff interact with the
kids?
Do they kneel down to play with or talk to your child in caring, respectful ways? - Is there plenty of playtime and interesting activities for your child to participate in?
- How clean and safe is the center?
- Does the center have places for your child to have quiet time, naptime, read, build with blocks, do puzzles, and play outside?
- Are the chairs, tables, sinks, playground equipment, and other items child-sized?
- Are healthful foods and beverages provided throughout the day?
- Do children look happy and busily engaged in activities? Likewise, does staff look happy and engaged with the children?
- How does the staff interact with the
kids?
- Questions to Ask
- Is the center licensed by the state?
- How many kids is each caregiver responsible for?
- How do they discipline the children?
Hitting, yelling, or shaking babies is not acceptable at any time. - Are teachers trained in early childhood development, including college classes or degrees?
- How does the center cope with emergencies?
- Is the staff trained in CPR and first aid?
- What's the center's policy on sick kids?
- How experienced is the staff?
How long have they been working with kids? What do they like about working with kids? What is the staff turnover rate? - Can you visit at anytime?
- How does the staff communicate with
parents?
For example, daily conversations, weekly reports, informational bulletin boards, or emails?