Tips for choosing quality child care

  • Published
  • By Marjorie Hahn
  • Family Child Care coordinator
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Children's healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during their early years. Choosing quality child care is one of the most important decisions a parent will make for their child. Every parent experiences feelings of anxiety when looking for care.

Here are some guidelines to think about when choosing a child care program. Be sure to visit several programs before deciding which one is best for your family - don't make a hasty decision. 

· Supervision: Are children supervised at all times - even when they are sleeping? How do caregivers discipline children - is it positive, consistent, clear and fair? 

· Staff Qualifications: Does the director have a degree in a child-related field? How are caregivers selected - are background checks conducted and previous work history checked? What type of training do caregivers receive - are they trained to recognize signs of child abuse and how to report suspected cases? 

· Ratios: How many children are being cared for in an age group - how many caregivers are with each age group? The younger the child, the more caregivers there should be. 

· Accreditations: Is the program accredited through a national accreditation body such as the National Afterschool Association or National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

· Sanitation: Do caregivers and children wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers? Are rooms cleaned throughout the day? 

· Safety: Does the program have emergency plans in case of a natural disaster? Does the program practice fire drills monthly? Is the playground age appropriate and inspected regularly? Are caregivers trained in first aid and rescue breathing? What about sudden infant death syndrome - are staff trained on and implementing infant back sleeping and safe sleep policies to reduce the risk of SIDS? Have caregivers received training on administering medications to children? 

· Lesson Plans: Are lesson plans age appropriate and individualized to the needs of the child?

When looking for quality care - look at the programs offered right here on base: 

· The Child Development Center offers full and part-time care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Infant care has a 1-to-4 ratio for ages 6 weeks to 6 months; pre-toddlers a 1-to-5 ratio for ages 12 to 24 months; toddlers a 1-to-7 ratio for ages 24 to 36 months; and pre-school a 1-to-12 ratio for ages 3 to 5 years. The CDC also offers a part-day enrichment program for ages 3 to 5 years. Call 731-2417 for further information or stop by the CDC. The CDC is accredited by NAEYC and certified by DOD. 

· Family Child Care offers a realistic alternative to the CDC and allows a child to be cared for in a home-like setting. FCC providers offer care during early mornings, late evenings, weekends and overnight. Homes are inspected monthly for compliance. Call 731-2116 for information on finding care or becoming a provider. 

· The School Age Program is located at the Youth Center and offers before and after school, school holiday and summer day camp programs for ages 5 to 12. Transportation is provided to several area schools, including Loy, for the before and after school program. Summer day camp offers youth many exciting opportunities including great field trips to museums, rafting, horseback riding, swimming and much, much more. Call 731-4634 for more information. The SAP is accredited through NAA and certified by DOD. 

The work isn't over when you find good care for your child - it's only the beginning. Stay involved, drop in during the day and ask caregivers or providers how things are going and how your child is doing. Offer to volunteer to help with special projects or events, chaperone a field trip or more. Staying involved tells your child and your child's program staff that you think what your child is doing and learning is important.

Don't forget that April is Month of the Military Child and few things provide a sense of security and caring as quickly as a hug, so give your child a hug today.