Health Topics for Parenting and Family Life

Child and Adolescent Program

Choosing child care

Child care is something most families need. There are different types of child care. Individualized care can be provided in the child's home, by a live-in or day only caregiver, or in the caregiver's home. Individualized care is preferred for children under 2 years of age, as it provides more personal attention than other child care options.

Another type of care is provided by family day care homes. In this instance, children are brought to the caregiver's home. These settings usually provide for a limited number of children, as that is all one person can safely care for.

Parent cooperative day care is organized and administered by parents who may assist in the classroom. The parents determine program goals, develop policies, manage finances, and hire the director or head teacher. This type of day care has planned activities and is typically for the preschool-age child.

Finally, there are center-based child care facilities. These facilities are equipped and staffed for large numbers of children. This type of center usually has separate classes based on age and may provide preschool and after-school activities. Employer-provided day care is a type of center-based child care facility.

When you are considering child care, ask friends and relatives that you trust for referrals. You should visit each facility or home you are considering. Look around, is it clean? Are there fun, safe toys? Are there enough adults to watch the number of children? What about snacks and meals, are they nutritious? Are there enough sinks and toilets for the number of children there, and are bathrooms clean? How do the children seem, happy or bored? Is there a safe and exciting outdoor area for children to play? If required by the state, is the homecare setting and/or caregiver certified?

Facilities need to be licensed. Ask about the ratio of adults to children. Inquire about the training of the staff. Are they certified in early childhood education? Is there a primary caregiver assigned to each child? Ask about staff turnover rates. What sort of activities do they have for the children? Do they have equipment for and experience with music, art, reading, building, dress-up, puzzles, and games? Do staff members have CPR training?

Once you have narrowed down the choices, bring your child for a visit. If they are old enough, see which center they seem to feel most at home. Ask the staff how they handle discipline. Observe what they do when a baby cries. Do children receive individual attention and verbal stimulation? Are staff members warm and affectionate towards the children? Do staff members change diapers as needed or on a set schedule?

Ask for references, and check them. Many communities have child care referral services, or licensing agencies. Check to make sure the facilities you are looking at have not been cited for problems.

Child care can be a social, fun and nurturing place for your child. Take the time to choose carefully.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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