5 Tips for Find Child Care!

Take a moment to consider this with me. It’s your child's junior year of high school, and they are excited yet anxious about beginning the search for the college or university they will call home for the next four years. You and your child have discussions with their high school counselors, explore the websites of potential colleges, and attend college tours—all to ensure that the college you choose is the best fit for your child.

While this decision is crucial and should be approached with care, it's important to recognize that the early childhood program you select for your child can have an equally significant, if not greater, impact on their development than the college they eventually attend. Research shows that enrolling in a high-quality early childhood program provides short- and long-term benefits. However, the same level of care and consideration is often not applied to the search for early childhood (EC) programs. Frequently, the choice of an early childhood program is primarily based on location and cost. While these factors are certainly important, they should not be the only criteria for selection.

When evaluating early childhood programs for your child, consider taking a similar approach to that of the college search. Reflect on the qualities you desire in a program, such as the learning environment, the education and training of teachers, the curriculum, and the program's overall structure. Here are some key questions to guide your decision:

- Does the program promote play-based learning with hands-on experiences?

- Does it provide nutritious meals?

- Is there a solid plan for social-emotional development that addresses challenging behaviors?

- Does the program support diversity and inclusion for all children and families?

Each of these factors can significantly impact your child's experience in the program. As you contemplate the qualities that are important to you in an early childhood program, use the five tips below to simplify your search for childcare.

Tip #1 Ask Other Parents

Engaging in conversations with individuals with experience with early childhood programs is an invaluable step in the decision-making process. This approach provides insights into which programs may be less favorable within your community and can highlight potential options that may align well with your child’s needs.

Tip #2 Research the Programs

It is important to conduct thorough research on the child care program in question. Each state is federally mandated to provide public access to information regarding all licensed programs. This includes details about the program and insights from inspections conducted by Child Care Licensing Specialists, including any recorded violations or citations.

I recommend contacting your state's local child care licensing office for the most accurate and current information. Additionally, many states offer resources through Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, which can assist families in their search for quality child care options.

Tip #3- Tour at least 3 Centers

After consulting with family and friends and conducting thorough research, I recommend compiling a list of at least three programs of interest. This approach will facilitate a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each center, enabling a well-informed decision-making process.

Tip #4- Tour During Normal Hours

When planning a visit to a program, it is advisable to schedule the visit during regular operational hours. Most educational programs conduct most of their learning activities between 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Therefore, it is recommended to visit within this timeframe to gain insight into the environment in which your child will be spending their time.

During your visit, I encourage you to specifically allocate at least 10 to 20 minutes to observe the classroom environment. Pay attention to the classroom setup: do the students have designated cubbies or personal storage spaces for their belongings? Is there a Parent Board displaying the classroom schedule and lesson plans? Listen to the interaction between the teacher(s) and students. Are the educators engaging with the children, and do the students appear to communicate with one another? Lastly, assess the cleanliness of the space, noting any messes that may have resulted from children at play. This thorough observation will provide valuable insight into the program's environment and structure.

Tip #5 Ask Questions

Last, ask questions. Ask questions to the Director, Curriculum Specialist, Teacher, or whoever will provide your child care. Ask questions like:

• What's the education and experience of the teachers?

• How do you teach and promote social-emotional development?

• Can you tell me about your last licensing visit? Were there any violations? If so, how do you plan to prevent further violations of specific regulations?

A high-quality program embodies honesty and transparency, always ready to address your questions. They understand the importance you place on the care and education of your child. If you're looking for more insightful questions to ask during a visit or need additional support in finding childcare, explore the child care section of my website. For any other inquiries, don't hesitate to contact me directly! Until next time, keep thriving!