Selecting Child Care Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

What to Consider… Age of child Child’s ability to adapt Family financial limits Working hours of family members Types of care available Convenience of care Any special needs of the child or family Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Types of Care Educational Programs Preschools Cooperative child care University-linked child care Head Start and Early Head Start Programs Kindergarten Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Informal Care from Family/Friends Types of Care Child Care in the Home In-Home Child Care Informal Care from Family/Friends Family Day Home Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Child Care Outside the Home Types of Care Child Care Outside the Home On-Site Child Care (employer sponsored) Nonprofit Centers (play groups, church affiliated) Profit-Making Centers (after school programs, drop-in programs) Franchise Centers (state and national) Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care All Types of Care  What is the caregiver’s philosophy regarding discipline? nutrition? naps?  How can parents be involved in child care (newsletters, visits)?  Can the caregiver provide references? Proof of certification?  What type of licensing does the facility have?  What type of credentials/training must child care workers have? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care All Types (continued) How recent was the facility inspected by the city/state health inspectors? Is the facility willing to share the results? Are the hours of care suitable? fees? Will children be taught to practice health and safety? Is the caregiver organized? safety conscious? health aware? Does the caregiver respond to the needs of the children promptly? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care All Types (continued) Are interactions between caregivers and children meaningful and pleasant? How will children be occupied all day? What plans does the caregiver have for emergency situations? Is the facility well-lit both inside and outside? Are maintenance and repair needs supervised by professionals? Is there a variety of developmentally appropriate toys and reading materials in good condition? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: In-Home Child Care What previous work experience have you had with child care? What were the ages and number of children you cared for? What is your family like, and what are your current responsibilities? What is the status of your health? What are the specific hours you are available for child care Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: In-Home Child Care What are the activities you engage in with the children for whom you provide care? What plans do you have for emergency situations? What is your back up plan when you are ill? What is your policy on vacation and sick leave? Can you provide references? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: In-Home Child Care How many children do you care for over the course of the day? Is the home licensed or registered for child care? By whom? Do other children seem happy and active? Is the home neat and safe? Is there a place for children to sleep? eat? play? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: In-Home Child Care Are there age-appropriate toys and equipment? Is the food nutritious and age-appropriate? What precautions have been taken to guard against children wandering away from the home? What policies are in place that prevent strangers from entering the premises? Are parents allowed to visit at any time? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: In-Home Child Care Will the caregiver inform parents of minor accidents and tell them when their child is not well? Do children get individualized attention? Is there adequate indoor and outdoor space? Are the children able to understand the rules? Are there dangerous objects within reach such as sharp objects or chemicals? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: Child Care Centers What type of reputation does the facility have? Is the space designed to meet the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of children? What precautions have been taken to guard against children wandering away from the facility? What policies are in place that prevent strangers from entering the premises? Do the restrooms meet the needs of children? Are they clean? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: Child Care Centers What does the facility do with children who are ill? What types of emergency plans are in place? Is the food nutritious? Age-appropriate? Are developmentally appropriate activities planned? Are children grouped by age? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: Child Care Centers Are there a variety of experiences including active and quiet play? Is supervision provided in all areas at all times? Does the facility allow parents to visit at any time? Will parents be invited to observe the class and participate in activities? Will the staff inform parents of minor accidents and tell them when their child is not well? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: Child Care Centers Do children get individualized attention? Does the caregiver plan and direct activities successfully? Does the caregiver respond to the children’s questions? Does the caregiver have a plan for interacting with parents? Is there adequate outdoor and indoor space? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Checkpoints for Care: Child Care Centers Are the children able to understand the rules? Are the routines and rules practical? Does each child have a private place in which to store belongings? Are there dangerous objects within reach, such as sharp objects and chemicals? Are there any materials the center might give parents to read regarding licensing, policies, and requirements? Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.