Tour to be sure
Evaluate the program. Visit the program at different times of the day. Use all five senses...look around to see if staff are actively engaged with the children. Does the site appear clean? Do the children sound happy? Communicate with the potential child care provider about parenting styles and your expectations of the child care facility. Write down questions in advance so nothing important is forgotten.
CALL 1-800-521-KIDS (5437)
OR 518-426-7181
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM
AS YOU THINK ABOUT CHILD CARE
Visit, ask questions, then decide.
TOURING TIPS
Three ways to look at a potential program.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISITS
Download Child Care Aware of America’s Checklists for Choosing Child Care
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE OF CAREGIVERS
Caregivers in child care centers, school-age programs, and registered/licensed family child care programs, must receive a minimum of thirty hours of educational training every two years, fifteen hours of which must be completed during their first six months of employment in a center or school-age program. In family child care programs, providers must complete fifteen hours of training during the first six months of program registration or licensing. Low staff turnover is another indicator of quality. Although turnover in the field of child care can be high, it’s best if children can be with the same caregiver for a year.