Many parents have used or are using a facility for child care. How do you choose the best one for your child’s needs? There are many options available, all depend on your individual child’s needs.
You can start your search from other parent’s recommendations and what is available in your local area. The next step is visiting the facility for a tour and to ask questions. If there is an option that you are leaning toward, you may want to schedule time to observe the facility for at least an hour maybe even longer to try to obtain a true perspective.
According to www.childcareaware.org there are 13 research-based guidelines to think about when choosing a child care program.
- Supervision
- Handwashing and diapering
- Director qualifications
- Lead Teacher qualifications
- Child:staff ratio and group size
- Immunizations
- Toxic substances
- Emergency plan
- Fire/emergency drills
- Child abuse
- Medications
- Staff training/first aid
- Playgrounds
Here is a chart to determine the staff ratio based on child’s age according to this website.
|
Age |
Maximum Child-Staff Ratio* |
Maximum Group Size* |
|---|---|---|
|
12 months |
3:1 |
6 |
|
13-35 months |
4:1 |
8 |
|
3-year-olds |
7:1 |
14 |
|
4-year-olds |
8:1 |
16 |
| 5-year-olds | 8:1 | 16 |
This is a checklist to print and complete which can help you evaluate each location as you visit them. Please refer to the Babysitting guidebook publication on this website.There are forms within the guidebook that give information about child care facilities that you many not have thought to ask.
