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 .