|
|
Quality Child Care
"What to Look For" |
|
The Search for Quality Child Care
Dear Parents,
You want the best for your child, and so do we. That's why we've put this booklet together - to help you choose a child care arrangement that meets your needs as working parents and guardians while it nurtures all aspects of your child's development.
High quality child care is much more than babysitting. It is gently guiding children as they learn about themselves and the world around them. It is helping them master the skills and lessons of everyday life. It is nurturing their fast-growing minds and carefully handling the challenges of behaviour, sickness and relationships-so they will grow into healthy, responsible and productive adults.
As parents/guardians, you will select your child care arrangement. But we can help. Here you'll find information on different kinds of child care and hints on what to look for to find a quality child care centre or family child care home.
Remember, quality child care lasts a lifetime!
Sincerely,
The Investing in Quality Committee
| Child Care Centres |
Family Child Care |
In Home Child Care |
| Child care centres and nursery schools are places where children are cared for and, where, like a small school, they are grouped by age. It is normally open all year round and has regular daytime hours. Many parents choose centres because of their larger staff, facilities, space, toys, equipment and planned early learning activities.
Child care centres and nursery schools are licensed and governed by the Day Nurseries Act. This ensures uniform minimum standards in areas of health, programming, nutrition and staffing. When you choose centre-based care for your child you are choosing an organization and a program as well as a provider.
What is the difference between a nursery school and a child care centre?
The main difference is the amount of hours that the program is open. Nursery schools usually run for a few hours each day and centres will be open all day.
|
A family child care home offers care in another person's home. The number of children is limited by Ontario law to a maximum of 5. Parents may prefer this type of care because they want their children in a more home-like environment. Family child care homes are especially popular for the care of infants and small children.
In Ontario there are two types of family home child care. There are licensed home child care agencies that have caregivers providing child care through the agency, and informal home child care where providers are working independently.
Licensed home child care agencies must meet ministry standards and will provide opportunities for professional development. Agencies have home visitors that mentor and support their family home child care providers.
Independent home providers are encouraged to follow ministry guidelines.
As a parent it is important to ask independent home child care providers how they plan to prepare your child for school and life.
|
In this category, a caregiver either lives in or comes to the family's home to care for the child, keeping the child in his or her normal surroundings, with familiar toys and routines. This is convenient for the family and offers flexibility.
However, it is considerably more expensive, unless there are several children to be cared for.
Parents/Guardians choosing this form of child care need to be aware that they become employers and need to follow the Employment Standards Act. www.labour.gov.on.ca
Noteworthy:
Regardless of the style of care you decide on, it is your responsibility to monitor your child's care. Being actively involved in your child's care will help you feel secure in your choice and give you opportunities to ask questions when you have concerns.
|
Steps to Finding Quality Child Care
1. Think about what you value. Take some time to reflect on your family values and beliefs. Write down the words that describe what you would like to see and what qualities you would like your child's primary caregiver to possess. When you begin visiting potential centres or caregivers, you will have an idea of what you want and what you don't.
2. Talk - Contact the centres or home child care providers you are interested in. Begin to look at a variety of centres and providers to narrow down your contact list. Child care centres and home child care providers will have philosophies that guide their program. Look for the philosophy that closely matches your own.
3. Look - Observe the program or provider in action. This step is one that should not be missed. It is very important to take the time to visit the child care centre or home child care provider. This is where you will get a better understanding of the environment your child or children will be exposed to. You will be able to ask questions, watch how the educators interact with the children in the program and how they guide their behaviour. Take your time during this step to ensure you have all the answers you need to make a decision. Short interviews when the children are not in the program can be a good start, but another visit should be booked to watch the program in action. If you have been discouraged from coming for a visit while the children are present, consider this a red flag and ask more questions to find out why. For a list of things to look for, take along our handout - Top Ten to Quality.
4. Ask - Check References. Once you have made a decision about the child care centre or home child care provider you would like to work with, it is time to ask others about the experience they had in the early learning and care environment you have chosen. At this point you can ask the child care centre supervisor/director or home child care provider for a list of parents that have had some experience with the program. 3 references is standard. Make a list of questions you would like to ask that will help you make your final decision.
Self Reflection
Now that you have visited some child care centres, sat and observed them in action and have asked many questions, you probably have a sense of where the right fit is for your child and your family. Your instincts and feelings are a good guide and you should listen to them. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you make your final decision.
__ Will my child fit in at this centre/home child care?
__ Do I like their approach to learning, play and discipline?
__ Will my child be safe and secure in this setting?
__ Will I feel comfortable talking to the staff/caregiver about concerns?
__ Do I feel comfortable at the centre/home child care?
__ Is the location convenient for me? If not, can I live with it?
__ Do the costs, hours and policies meet my needs and do I agree with them?
|
