to a Kindergarten classroom. Similarly aged children grouped together allows for teachers to plan age appropriate daily schedules and lessons. • Cons – Sometimes there can be a high teacher turnover rate. High staff/child ratio could lead to less one-on-one attention and less flexibility. Family Child Care Home: • Pros – Home-like atmosphere with more flexibility. Lower staff/child ratios. When care setting includes children of different ages, skills, and abilities there is a potential to lead to increased empathy. • Cons – Only one provider means there is not a back-up care provider. So if they are sick or take a vacation parents need to find alternate care for a day or so. Nanny: • Pros – One-on-one attention. Less disruption and transition for the child during the day. • Cons – Nanny agencies have their own qualifications and education requirements for their employees. However, they are not required to meet state licensing and accreditation requirements. Possibility for decreased socialization. Typically more expensive.
What to Look For
SPECIAL SECTION: Choices in Childcare
The right caregiver for your child during this critical development period is someone who will: • Provide solid guidance towards developing good social skills. • Teach them to be empathetic. • Consistently teach them to follow directions. • Adhere to daily schedules which reflect the learning through play philosophy. • Be actively engaged by talking to your child throughout the day, and playing with them while introducing them to a variety of materials. • Provide a balance of active and quiet times. • Follow good health practices and teach your child to do the same. • Allow for outside play time. • Use teaching time to sing songs, encourage a love of books, expose your child to different drawing/writing utensils, and begin teaching early literacy. • Adhere to legal staff/child ratios at all times. • Encourage family involvement. • Strive to reduce caregiver turnover and encourage higher education among staff. Keep these basic guidelines in mind when visiting potential child care providers. Ask lots of questions, and keep a record of your thoughts and first impressions. Make sure you write down everything you want to remember about a facility while it is still fresh in your mind. Later you can look back and compare multiple providers with less confusion. PUZZLES provides helpful checklists upon request! Mebane Boyd, Health and Family Services Manager at Smart Start says, “During this time in a child’s life, the brain grows to 90% of its adult size and children are eager and ready to learn.” Choose your child’s caregiver carefully. Stay educated about child care accreditation requirements and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone at Smart Start really wants to help educate parents. “When parents are more informed and ask more questions, then child care providers feel the push to improve their services,” says Turner. In the end, it’s the children that benefit the most from the improved child care. For more information and to obtain useful child care checklists, Call: New Hanover County (910) 815-3731, Pender County (910) 259-9978, Brunswick County (910) 755-3362, or Columbus County (910) 642-8189 Email: beth.bowen@newhanoverkids.org, krista.turner@newhanoverkids.org, or mebane.boyd@newhanoverkids.org Visit: www.newhanoverkids.org/puzzles v
Five Steps to Choosing High-Quality Child Care 1. Start early – Start looking far in advance. Often some of the best centers have waiting lists. 2. Call your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency – Finding a child care program can seem overwhelming. PUZZLES, your local CCR&R can help! 3. Visit and ask questions – Always visit any child care programs you are considering. 4. Make a choice – Think about what you saw at each visit, and make the best choice for your child and family.
5. Stay involved – The work isn’t over when you find good care for your child. You and your child’s caregiver are partners now. Ask your child care provider how you can be involved, and make an effort to talk to your child care provider every day!
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Wilmington Parent | June 2012 | 25