Page 8 How To Guide • Thursday, March 13, 2025 pressnews. com
How to...
How to choose a
CHILD CAre CeNTer
Whether you are new to the area, making a change in your current child care arrangements, or expecting your first child, selecting a care provider for your child is a very significant decision.
Knowing that your child is being cared for in a loving and enriching environment can offer you great peace of mind when you put your child in someone else’ s care. Here are some points to keep in mind when making a decision about your child care provider.
First, if at all possible, start early. This is a very important decision, and it’ s not one you want to make with very little lead time. You’ ll need and want time to conduct some research, such as touring facilities and contacting parents for references.
Second, make a list of the things that are important to you and your family and prioritize this list. For instance, the location of the program may very important to you because you want to have your child near your work. Hours of operation can also be a critical factor, especially if you work an early or late shift. Also, you might feel more secure with a provider that has a long and trusted reputation in the community. Or perhaps you want a very new program with the latest equipment and facility enhancements. Whatever feels right for you and family should make up your list.
Next, know what you can afford. Child care fees vary widely, and often include different aspects of the program. Meals are often included, but fees for additional expenses, like the cost for a field trip for school age children, might not be part of the basic fee. Understand that in Minnesota, child care is expensive. Strict state licensing regulations demand( as they should) that programs have more teachers and caregivers per child than many other states, and this does increase the cost for families who use the program. You might also want to explore your eligibility for the various child care assistance programs available to Minnesota residents.
Finally, make up a checklist to help you know what to ask when you talk with providers and what to look for when you visit facilities. For example, if your initial contact with a potential childcare program is over the phone, you will want to ask questions like: What hours are you open? How long have you been providing child care in this community?
Do you have a current license from the State of Minnesota? How many children is your program licensed for?
How many children are currently enrolled in your program? How many people are on your staff? May I visit at any time or do I need an appointment?
It’ s usually a good idea to call or visit several programs, so that you have a basis for comparison. And while you can often form an impression of a program during a telephone conversation, nothing takes the place of an actual visit to the facility.
Keep in mind that you will see differences in quality when you visit various programs. And although you will be the best judge of what constitutes a high quality program for your child and you, there are some key indicators of quality that should be on your visit checklist. These could include:
Look at how the staff interacts with the children – is it done in a positive way? Ask about the staff’ s training in early childhood education.
Does the environment appear to be safe, clean and healthy with equipment and materials that are easily accessible to children?
Are there large spaces for various activities such as
artwork, playing, reading books and doing puzzles as well as a safe, well-maintained outdoor play area?
What kind of meals and snacks do they serve? Do they appear to be nourishing? Are children watching television? Are children involved in a wide variety of planned activities, such as art, music, thinking( identifying shapes, letters, numbers, and colors, for example), and social interactions? Are the classrooms or activity spaces and bathrooms clean? Is there a quiet environment for naps? When you have narrowed your selection down to one or two quality providers, take your child for a visit. Watch how staff members interact with your child. Trust your feelings and observations. Before making a final decision, read the program’ s written policies and procedures carefully, and ask any remaining questions. Make sure you fully understand your obligations to the program in terms of communication and payment, and that you are completely comfortable with your decision
Once your final choice has been made, work closely with the staff to make sure your child has the best possible childcare experience. Talk often with the people who care for your child. Share any concerns, as well as positive observations. Ask about your child’ s progress and what activities he or she enjoys the most, as well as how he or she gets along with others. Get involved. Participate in any family activities offered by the center, like potluck suppers or picnics.
The right child care decision can offer you incredible peace of mind. You will be able to go about your day knowing your child is spending his or her day in a place that is safe, nurturing, stimulating and the perfect fit for his or her unique needs.