How Do You Find Quality Care?

First, identify your needs and priorities.

• Consider your child's age.
  
• Do you have more than one child requiring care?
  
• Are you eligible for a government subsidy?
  
• What fee can you afford?
  
• Do you prefer centre or home based, regulated or unregulated care?
  
• What hours?
  
• In what location -- near your child's school, your home, your work?
  

Once you have a list of caregivers and day care centres, it is time to start telephone interviews. Jot down the questions you want to ask.

Visiting potential centres and family day care homes is the next step.

• Look around.
  
• Is this a quality child care setting?
  
• Listen.
  
• Would you feel good about your child spending time here?
  

The relationship between you and the caregiver is extremely important.

• It should be one of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
  
• The interview is the time to ask plenty of questions.
  
• Don't forget to discuss hours, fees, discipline, sickness, vacations, the involvement of parents.
  

Check references before you make a final decision. And write a contract or letter of agreement -- it can save unnecessary misunderstandings in the future.

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This article is an exerpt from Making a Quality Child Care Choice, published by the Canadian Child Care Federation.

Posted by: Canadian Child Care Federation, September 1996.

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