Choosing a quality early care and education program is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent or guardian. You want to ensure that your child is in a healthy and safe setting that nurtures all areas of development. High quality early care and education programs foster readiness, and achievement which contribute to over-all success in life.
The 4 key components to finding quality care are:
The 4 key components to finding quality care are:
- Staff- Look for staff members who truly enjoy caring for children.
- Learning Environment- A high quality environment will be warm and inviting and give your child the opportunity to play in many different ways.
- Health & Safety- A quality program keeps children comfortable, healthy and safe.
- Parent Involvement- Providers should welcome and encourage your participation. Together, you and your provider can make child care a positive part of your family!
Understand your options. There are different types of child care environments such as centers, licensed family child care homes, preschools and in-home providers such as a family member, friend, neighbor, nanny or babysitter.
Ask the provider about their background. All employees at licensed centers and homes are required to have a background check and their programs licensing history is available by calling California Child Care Licensing at 1-844-538-8766. Unlicensed providers can acquire a background check through the TrustLine Program at 1-800-822-8490.
Look at the child care environment when you visit. Check to see if there is adequate space, interesting toys and materials, engaging activities and nurturing interactions.
Inform yourself about the child care center or child care provider’s policies and procedures. Find out about rules, fees, holidays and vacations, sick policy, and contracts.
Typical day. Ask the child care providers or center about the daily schedules. Children thrive in an environment that offers a predictable routine that includes a balance of quiet and active periods, both indoors and outdoors.
Your instincts should be trusted. If you are comfortable with a facility or home, chances are your child will be too. You are the best judge of your child’s needs.
Questions You Might Ask
What is a typical day like at your program?
How long have you worked at this program?
How many children do you have enrolled?
What ages of children do you provide care for?
What training, education or experience do you have?
How do you help new children adjust?
Do you close for vacations and holidays?
What are your fees and what does it include? (Meals, snacks, diapers, etc.)
Do you accommodate flexible schedules?
Do you participate in the Child Care Food Program?
May I make an appointment to visit your program?
What is a typical day like at your program?
How long have you worked at this program?
How many children do you have enrolled?
What ages of children do you provide care for?
What training, education or experience do you have?
How do you help new children adjust?
Do you close for vacations and holidays?
What are your fees and what does it include? (Meals, snacks, diapers, etc.)
Do you accommodate flexible schedules?
Do you participate in the Child Care Food Program?
May I make an appointment to visit your program?
For more information on selecting quality child care, download our Toolkit for Selecting Quality Child Care.
We offer free child care referrals tailored to meet your family’s needs. Our Referral Specialists can give you referrals as a walk-in, over the phone, by fax, email or mail. We’re here to help!
If you live in South Lake Tahoe call toll-free 1-877-541-5848
If you live in the Western Slope of El Dorado call toll-free 1-877-676-0707
If you live in Alpine County call toll-free 1-877-694-2129
If you live in the Western Slope of El Dorado call toll-free 1-877-676-0707
If you live in Alpine County call toll-free 1-877-694-2129
If you live elsewhere, search for your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency by zipcode at Child Care Aware.
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