CHOOSING A CHILD CARE PROVIDER

Choosing someone to watch your child while you are away is one of the toughest jobs a parent faces. Take the time to check out your options.

Find a good fit, a place where you and your child feel comfortable. Knowing that your child is safe, happy and in the care of someone who cares about him or her will help you stay focused at work. Then, at the end of the day you will be ready to enjoy more special times with your child.

QUESTIONS TO ASK CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

It is important for you to ask questions. Many providers will be prepared by sharing their program information and rules with you when you first call.

In case they don’t, here are some questions to ask:

What is a day in your (home/center) like for the children?
What age children does your program serve?
Do you provide meals and snacks?
How many adults work with the children?
What is your policy on illness and absences?
What discipline techniques do you use?
Do you ever transport children? Under what circumstances?
Can my child get to and from school if they are here? (If applicable) How?
Are parents allowed to stop by unannounced?
How many children are there for each teacher?
How long have you been providing child care?
What are your fees? Do parents pay in advance, or after care is given?
Do you accept DHS child care subsidy payments? (If applicable)
Do you have any openings?
What else should I know about your program?

WHAT IS HIGH QUALITY CHILD CARE?

Child care comes in many forms. It may be:

A family member or friend
Someone who comes into your home to care for your children
In a Registered Day Care Home (limited to 6 children/1 adult)
In a Licensed Group Home (limited to 12 children and 2 adults)
In a Licensed Child Care Center (more than 12 children)

Each type of child care setting will look different from the others but there are ways to recognize high quality, no matter what the setting. High quality child care will:

Have a low child to adult ratio (At least 1 adult for every 3 or 4 infants/toddlers; 1 adult for every 8 to 10 preschoolers in a Center)
Having fewer children allows the teachers more time to get to know and interact with each child.
Have teachers who are trained in CPR, First Aid, and child development
Have teachers who to get more training each year
Have enough toys/games for all the children
Be clean and safe with enough room for children to play indoors and outdoors without being crowded
Be busy and happy where teachers and children enjoy each other

LINKS TO LOCAL RESOURCES:

Great Start CONNECT

Great Start CONNECT is an on-line system of early learning resources, including a new database of licensed/registered child care and early education program in Michigan.

Visit Great Start CONNECT.

Michigan Child Care Referral Database

Use this resources to look for licensed child care in your community.

Search Michigan Child Care Referral Database.