Things To Do

This section gives you a step by step guide for choosing a child care setting right for you and your child. Plan to look at several different places, and make out a sheet of paper so you can write down what you find out about each setting. Once you have a list of providers (see page 2 for ideas on how to locate providers), here's what you should do.

FIRST: Call and talk to the provider on the telephone. You may find out that she doesn't have space or is too expensive. You will save time by doing a "telephone interview" first. Below are some of the questions you can ask.

Provider's Name ________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________________

Type of Care: Center _________________________ Home ____________

Tell the person answering the phone your name and why you are calling.  
Tell them the age of your child(ren) that needs care.

1.  Do you have any openings?  Yes _______ No _______

2.  Cost: ___________ What does this include? ___________________

      Are there any other costs? ________________________________

3.  Day/hours care is available _________________________________

4.  Total number of children in care ____________________________

     in each group _________ of caregivers for each group _______

5.  Location ____________________________________________________

6.  Is transportation available? Yes _______ No _______

7.  What meals are served? ______________________________________

8.  Is there a fenced outside area for play?  Yes ______  No______

9.  What activities would my child be involved in?________________

     _____________________________________________________________

     _____________________________________________________________


May I talk to someone whose child you have taken care of?

_________________________________________________________________


If basic information sounds like it will meet your needs, ask when 
you can visit.

Sounds OK ________ Maybe ________ Not for me ________

Date and time for visit ________________________________

Directions______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

NEXT:

When you have a list of two or three possible providers, plan to visit each one. Take your child with you to meet the provider. Visit the setting with your child while other children are present. How does the provider treat the children? Do the children look happy? Use the checklists in Chapter 4 to help you ask the right questions, and fill in as many answers as possible.

MAKING YOUR CHOICE:

You now have a lot of information about at least two caregiving places. You need to look at that information and determine which of the caregivers will be better for your child and for you. Sometimes it's very clear which one would be better; sometimes it will seem that both would do a good job.

Look at how the providers answered the questions on the checklist. Think about how your child will fit into the setting and how the provider will help him learn and grow. Consider location and cost as well. Then let the providers know you have made your decision, and make arrangements for beginning day care.

AFTER YOU MAKE YOUR CHOICE:

After you chose your day care setting, plan to go with your child and spend an hour or so at the home or center with him before you start full time. Your being there will allow your child to feel safe and more able to accept the new place. He can explore at his own rate, knowing that someone familiar and trusted is there to "rescue" him should he need help.

Next, let your child attend the setting for a short time without you. Let him know that you will be back soon, and be sure to come back as promised. Infants and toddlers, particularly, need reassurance because they haven't learned yet that you will always come back.

FINALLY:

Begin full-time care. Give yourself a little extra time the first few days, so you can stay with your child for a little while before leaving. It's always hard to leave your child when you first start child care, but if you have taken the steps we have suggested, you know you are leaving your child in a good place.

REMEMBER:

Your job of caring for your child is not over when you have chosen your day care setting. The information in Chapter 5 will help you be sure that your child is in a good, safe place. If you have any questions, talk to your provider. It's never wrong to ask!