1. LOOK
Begin by visiting several child care homes or centers. On each visit, think
about your first impression. But don’t stop there.
- Does the place look safe for your child?
- Do the caregivers/teachers who will care for your child enjoy talking and playing with
children?
- Do they talk with each child at the child’s eye level?
- Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within a child’s reach?
You should always visit a home or center more than once. And stay as long as possible so
you can get a good feel for what the care will be like for your child. Even after you
start using the child care, continue to come back and check it out.
2. LISTEN
What does the child care setting sound like?
Do the children sound happy and involved?
What about the teachers’ voices?
Do they seem cheerful and patient?
A place that’s too quiet may mean not enough activity. A place that’s too noisy
may mean there is a lack of control.
3. COUNT
Count the number of children in the group. Then count the number of staff
members caring for them. Obviously, the fewer the number of children for each adult, the
more attention your child will get. A small number of children per adult is most important
for babies and younger children.
4. ASK
It’s very important that the adults who care for your children have the
knowledge and experience to give them the attention they need. Ask about the background
and experience of all staff: the program director, caregivers, teachers, and any other
adults who will have contact with your child in the home or center. Find out about the
special training each one has and whether the program is accredited by the National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or the National Association for
Family Child Care (NAFCC). Quality care providers and teachers will be happy to have you
ask these questions.
5. BE INFORMED
Find out more about efforts in your community to improve the quality of child care. Is
your caregiver involved in these activities? How can you get involved. For more
information, contact the Office for Young Children, or your local Child Care Resource and
Referral Agency. Or nationally, call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246.
-adapted from
 website |
| ACCREDITATION |
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD?
 Accredited homes and centers
voluntarily measure up to national standards of quality that have been established by
national chi1d care organizations. Programs that are accredited have gone beyond minimum
licensing standards and have made a commitment to provide the kind of care, attention, and
stimulating activities that you and your children require.
Caregivers in NAEYC or NAFCC
accredited programs take part in on-going child development training. Trained caregivers
are more likely to understand children’s needs at different ages, plan appropriate
activities, and interact with children in warm and stimulating ways. They are also more
likely to provide positive guidance for children, rather than harsh discipline.
Parents who use accredited
programs are very happy with them! These programs undergo in-depth self- assessments,
independent observation and approval by professional experts, and final endorsement by a
national committee.
You can review the child care regulations in your State, on line. The National Center
for Health and Safety in Child Care has posted all States' regulations under
"Individual States Child Care Licensure Regulations" at http://ncr.uchsc.edu/. Another way to find out about
child care regulation in your State is to ask your local child care resource and referral
agency for a summary of the regulations. See the list of local Resource & Referral
Agencies at
Child Care
Aware website.
For additional Michigan information contact the State of Michigan Michigan 4C Association . |
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