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Selecting A Child Care Program
In selecting your child care, it will be important for you to take time to visit several potential providers and compare before deciding what is best for you and your child.
You might find it helpful to write down your expectations and your child's needs according to what is most important to you. You will then be better able to assess whether the child care program's goals meet your needs.
Arrange for an interview, preferably when children are there. Take your child with you when you visit for the interview.
If you are there to observe, do so without taking the caregiver's time away from the children. You may also arrange to talk with the caregiver or director at a time when the children's routine will not be interrupted. If you must cancel, be sure to call the provider.
Ask the provider or director for the names of other parents in the program whom you can call.
Find out from other parents what they like and do not like about the program, and whether they would use this provider if they were selecting child care again.
Ask questions. Find out how the provider feels about things that are important to you.
What is important to the provider? If you have any uneasy feelings about a home or center, look elsewhere.
You are the best judge of your child's needs, so trust your instincts along with the real information that you have gathered.
Programs for children, whether in someone's home or in a center, vary in philosophy, style, and routine. All early childhood programs should take into account a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development.
However, programs differ in where and how they place their emphasis. Some programs, for example, are more "teacher-directed," with a highly structured day and teacher-planned activities. Other programs are more "child-directed," with more open time, greater choices on the child's part, and flexibility in scheduling. Many programs allow for both.
You will want to find out who will be caring for your child. The caregivers are responsible for carrying out the program philosophy and goals.
What is the philosophy of the center or home?
What are the goals of the program, and how does the caregiver plan to meet them?
What is the daily routine?
What happens when a child does not want to participate in an activity?
Do you and the provider agree on the general philosophy of raising kids?
Did your child feel comfortable during your visit?
Did she/he like the other children?
Does she/he think it would be fun to go there?
Listen to your child's opinion and feelings. Combine them with feelings of your own and then make your decision.
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