CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING A
FAMILY DAY CARE HOME |
Take three steps before putting your child in someone’s home:
- Visit the family day care home.
- Carefully look around
- Ask lots of questions.
Here’s what to look for and ask about:
- Can you visit anytime your child is there? Do you feel welcome?
- Is the caregiver warm and friendly and is her house clean?
- Does the caregiver have previous experience or training working with children? What kind?
- Does the caregiver treat each child as a special person?
- Does the caregiver patiently listen and talk to the children?
- Does the caregiver’s approach to child rearing agree with yours?
- Does the caregiver encourage self-help, independence, and self expression?
- What does the caregiver do when a child is angry or fearful?
- Is the home registered? If not, why not? Is the caregiver in compliance with state ratios?
- Is the home clean and comfortable?
- Are all poisons, medicines, and sharp objects stored in a safe area?
- Where are naps taken? What do children sleep on?
- Is there a first aid kit readily available?
- Are emergency numbers posted next to the telephone?
- Is there room for active and quiet play?
- Is there a planned program of activities?
- Are art and music supplies suited to the age of all children in care?
- Are there both indoor and outdoor play activities?
- Are good health habits such as washing hands before eating practiced?
- Are healthy, nutritious snacks and meals served?
- Are toys clean, safe and in good working condition?
- Are there toys that will help my child develop physically and mentally?
- Is this a place I’d like my child to spend many days of his/her life?
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WHY FAMILY DAY CARE ? |
- Lower adult/child ratio means time and attention to children.
- The home is physically more familiar, comfortable, and appealing to a child than a day care center is.
- Constancy of care means security for the child.
- Children are not confused by conflicting instructions from several different caregivers.
- A
child learns trust; he can rely on a provider for fulfilling emotional
and physical needs because she is always there and available to him.
- Small group size enables children to develop close friendships with peers.
- Provider is alert and aware of each child’s personality traits and needs.
- Direct contact between parent and provider presents an opportunity for team effort on behalf of the child.
- Children gain a sense of family.
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PROMISES OF CHILD CARE |
As the provider, I will:
- Greet each child with a smile.
- Hug each child at least once a day.
- Listen to and respect each Child.
- Sincerely give each child praise.
- Discipline calmly and fairly.
- Plan at least one special activity a day.
- Have age appropriate toys.
- Read aloud to the children.
- Start each day with toys picker up.
- Start each day with a clean bathroom
- Serve nutritious, well balanced snacks and meals.
- End the day by telling the parent one positive thing that happened to his child that day.
As the parent, I will:
- Tell my provider that she is doing a good job.
- Talk to my provider about my concerns for my child.
- Support and follow through on appropriate discipline we agreed upon.
- Bring my child appropriately dressed for the weather and day activities.
- Pick up my child on time.
- Call my provider when I’m going to be late either for arrival or pick-up.
- Pick up my child immediately if he becomes sick.
- Call my provider immediately if my child won’t be attending.
- Inform my provider of any changes in address or telephone number, at or work or changes in doctor or medical insurance.
- Abide by my provider’s contract/child care agreement.
Written by: Sally Silvera
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NEEDS OF A CHILD
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The Day Care Environment must be:
Quiet and Calm
Safe and Secure
Fun and Educational
Spacious and Bright
The Day Care Child must feel:
Valued and Loved
Happy and Relaxed
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