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C.H.I.L.D. C.A.R.E.

Selecting Quality Childcare

By Marie-Helen Goyetche

Are you looking for quality child care? Use this easy method to choose the right place for your child: C.H.I.L.D. C.A.R.E.

C Choices available: Day care and family day care are the most popular choices. Many of them will fill quickly, so start shopping early. You might need to get your name on a waiting list. Visit many day cares and ask questions. The hours, fees, location of day care and services offered will differ from one to another. You might also have friends and relatives with some recommendations.

H Health and safety issues: Does the facility have measures in place to ensure a safe environment indoors and out? What is the policy for sick children? What's the temperature like? How's the ventilation? Does the day care smell clean? Can they give medications to your child? What's the nap situation? What happens to a child who doesn't want to nap? Are the toys washed on a regular basis? Are the bathrooms clean?

I Interaction of educators and other staff members: Adults who work with children still have a little child left inside them. How else could they have the patience, sensitivity and the energy to plan for and stimulate children all day long? Are these adults interacting pleasantly with the children or are the children off by themselves? Are the educators friendly and full of life? Can you hear songs and music? The educator might be busy, but take a few minutes to get to know the person. How long has this person been in this field of work? What are some favorite activities with the children?