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Step-by-Step
1.
Help define your child care needs by considering: "What will
I need in terms of location and hours? What are my child's needs -
physical, emotional, social, educational?
What size group would I prefer for my child? What can I
afford?"
2.
Call the Marin Child Care Council at (415) 479-2273 for referrals
to licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes in Marin, and
license-exempt programs, or providers who are on the Trustline Registry.
3.
Upon receiving your list of prospective providers from the Marin
Child Care Council Referral Counselor, call the provider to discuss your
needs and their availability. Preliminary
phone interviews may help you to decide with which providers you would
like to schedule visits.
4.
If possible, visit at least three child care possibilities.
The more you see, the more you will be able to define your
priorities regarding qualities of a child care provider/setting.
5.
If you must cancel an appointment, be sure to call and let the
provider know -respect the caregiver's time.
6.
Prepare for the visit by reviewing your expectations and the
"Child Care Evaluation Checklist".
7.
During the visit, communicate your needs, expectations, concerns,
and fears. Be open and
honest. A good caregiver will appreciate and respect your sense of
responsibility to your child.
8.
If you are interested in enrolling your child, and the provider
has an available opening, ask for references - names of parents who
currently, or recently, have had a child in care.
Call the references.
9.
When you've made your decision, request a two-week trial period
(many providers include this in their contract).
This time will allow you and/or your provider to decide whether
the arrangements will work out.
10.
Remember, your responsibility does not end with the final choice
of child care. Continuing
to communicate and evaluate your child's care on an ongoing basis is
every parent's responsibility.
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IMPORTANT
PHONE NUMBERS
Marin
Child Care Council
415.472.1092
Child
Protective Services
415.499.7153
Family
Child Care Licensing
650.266.8843
Child
Care Center Licensing
650.266.8843
Coast
Guard Licensing
800.872.4957
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