Finding Quality Daycare

Finding the ‘perfect’ child care setting for your family and children can be a very stressful task, especially with all of the negative publicity and stories being aired on television where a provider or nanny is abusing a child and caught on video tape. I’d like to say that although these shows are the media’s way of making parents aware and to be very careful when selecting care.....(which I completely agree with), I don’t like how these programs have given our profession a ‘bad name’. These programs show the horrible abuse of children should not even be called providers...and makes parents distrust the other millions of wonderful, loving, caring and professional providers who love children, and have chosen to work with children because they truly want to make a difference in a child’s life!  Please remember, that these programs that show such horror is a minimal percentage.....Maybe 1 in a million.....I don’t know the exact percentage, but I can tell you from the bottom of my heart....that these shows are showing the very worst scenario, which all providers don’t ever want to happen. 

We love children and we raise them as our own! We spend more time five days per week with your child than you do, because you must go to the office and work.....we are the ones that give your child hugs when they are sad and fun activities and playmates during the day!!!!!  We are the safe haven children call their second home...and we are their second mommies as well!  This is hard for some parents to know that we are loved so much in return, but isn’t it wonderful just knowing that your children love coming to care each day...and can’t wait to see their friends and second family!

What to look for in Quality Care:
from the providers point of view:
by PPO Members

1. Is the provider friendly and show happiness & love towards the children in her care?

2. Does the provider talk to the children at their level, but kneeling or bending down instead of talking over them?

3. Is the providers home clean and child proofed?

4. Does the provider have an Interview Packet or Handbook to give you and read through with you?

5. Does the provider show you the areas of her home used for child care during the day?

6. Does the provider go through all of her business policies with you so you may ask questions if needed?

7. Does the provider have the correct ratio of children in her care as required by your state?

8. Does she offer USDA Meals & snacks to the children in care?

9. Do you feel comfortable while in her home and speaking with her?

10.  Is the provider Registered or Licensed if required by your state?

11.  Does the provider take ongoing training classes to further her education in this field?

12.  Does the provider offer a learning program and/or fun activities during the day such as music, story time, ABC’s, colors, numbers, etc... (and not just turning on the TV)?

13.  Does the provider genuinely seem as if she loves children and interact with them while in her care?

14.  Is the provider organized and friendly during your visit?

15.  Is the provider Infant / child CPR & First Aid trained?

16.  Does the provider show patience and good moral character?

17.  Does the provider have an open door policy?

18.  Does the provider have a variety of age appropriate toys and learning materials?

Questions to Ask during Your Visit with the Provider
Obtained from Child Care Resource & Referral
of Washington County, OR

General Questions:

Why are you a child care provider?
What do you like the most about child care?
What do you like least?

Safety:

Do you have working smoke detectors?
Are electrical outlets capped?
Are stairs blocked for safety?
Is there safe water to drink?
Are fireplaces and heaters screened off from the children to prevent burns?
Are hazardous and poisonous compounds under lock and key?
Are there guns in the home and where are they kept?
Is there a plan for fire or emergency situations?
Is the plan posted?
What is the policy for sick children?
Do you ever transport the children? And do you have a current driver’s license and proof of insurance?
What mode of transportation is used and are there car seats / seat belts for all children?
If you do transport do you have a method in place for identification of children, i.e. name tags, labels, etc.?
Do you carry medical emergency release forms during activities off the premises?
Do you have adequate liability insurance?

Miscellaneous:

What are the sleeping arrangements for children?
What is the policy for children who do not sleep during nap time?
What is the nap time routine?
Can my child bring a comfort item from home?
What items do you not want brought from home?
Should I bring extra clothing for messy projects and / or accidents?

Policies:

Can I get a copy of your contract and written policy?
What is your discipline policy?
How do you handle biting and aggressive behaviors?
What is your television policy?
How do you handle toileting accidents?

If you have any questions or would like additional resources, call the
Child Care Resource & Referral of Washington County at: 971-223-6100
or the local CCR&R for your area!
 

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A
FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Author Unknown

PROXY/SURROGATE PARENT: Maintain in an environment similar to that of the children's home. To act as substitute by filling in for the parent.

FIRST AID TECHNICIAN: Giving care to physical complaints, illnesses and minor injuries of children. Maintaining a safe environment at all times. Keeping children free from danger, injury, and the threat of harm.

COOK/CHEF: Sees that children receive nutritious meals meeting their daily requirements.

TEACHER: Helps children learn and follow instructions by prepared planning. Sets of the environment so that children are encouraged to learn.

DISCIPLINARIAN: Helps children learn through limits. Allows children to develop and maintain good problem solving skills.

REFEREE: Maintain fair and orderly control. Helps children learn to deal with conflicts in an appropriate manner.

HOUSEKEEPER: Maintains a clean and organized atmosphere that promotes both comfortable and pleasurable surroundings.

LAUNDRESS: Maintains clean materials and equipment, ie. Blankets, towels, etc.

FINANCE MANAGER: Maintains good business records in a professional manner.

PURCHASING AGENT: Maintaining a steady flow of materials and equipment in an organized fashion.

DIRECTOR: The maintenance of the program and all aspects within that program are handled providing an appropriate schedule that addresses the needs of the whole child.

ACTIVITY ORGANIZER: Plans of daily activities that stimulate the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.

MENTOR: Professional consultant to parents, providers and children.

CONFIDANT: A good listener who is trusted by both parents and children and their individual concerns.

GARDENER: Maintains a constant surveillance of the surrounding outdoor environment.

CONSERVATIONIST: Encourages children to respect nature and have a high regard for our earth.

STUDENT: Constantly improving on the development and growth of oneself.

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