VALLEY OAK
CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Choosing Childcare

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Choosing Child Care

5 Steps to Finding Care

Contact us today for childcare referrals!

 

1) Be Informed

  • Contact your local Resource and Referral agency (www.rrnetwork.org under family service)
  • Conact your regional state CCL office which licenses child care (for compliant information).
  • Ask relatives, friends, and neighbors.
  • Check the newspaper and community bulletin boards.
  • Oliver’s law: as a parent you have the right to get information about any substantiated or inconclusive complaints about a child care provider that you select for your child. That information is public and you can get it by calling the local licensing office at 1-844-538-8267

 

2) Look

  • Is the facility safe, comfortable and clean?
  • Is there a quiet place for naps?
  • Are there a variety of toys to play with?
  • Is there a sanitary diaper changing area?
  • Is the kitchen clean and sanitary?
  • How do the children interact with each other?

 

3) Count

  • Are there the correct number of adults per child?
  • How many infants are in care?
  • Are you comfortable with the adult:child ratio?

 

4) Ask

  • What is your experience and/or education in child care and child development?
  • What is your discipline philosophy?
  • What kinds of things do you do to help a new child transition into care?
  • What do you do when a child cries?
  • How would you react if you saw my child bite another?
  • How long have you been doing child care?
  • Can I visit my child whenever I want?
  • What is your plan for an emergency?
  • What do you charge and what does that include?
  • Do you have a contract?

 

5) Listen

  • To the answers that are given (take notes).
  • To the noise level of the room.
  • For joyful noise from the children.
  • For a respectful attitude towards kids.
  • To the feeling you have.
  • To any concerns you might have.
  • To any concerns your child might have.