Choosing a Childcard Provider

(This article appeared in the November/December 2002 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Joyce B. Robinson, Research & Education Department Director

All parents, at one time or another, need to find someone to help with childcare. Good childcare arrangements can improve the quality of daily life for children and parents.

Selecting childcare is an important decision for any family. While cost and convenience are important considerations in selecting care, you will want to think of what is best for your child's age, personality, abilities, and interests.

If you need childcare while you work, start your search early and take advantage of agencies that can help. When choosing a childcare provider, it is essential that you visit the day-care center or family day-care home before you enroll your child.

Ten Steps to Follow

Step 1: Conduct the first interview by telephone. Inquire about the provider's references, years of experience, fees, holiday policy, hours of operation and whether or not the provider is licensed.

Step2: Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against the provider.

Step 3: Check all references.

Step 4: Visit the home or center for an inspection. Is it clean? Are children being left unattended?

Step 5: Observe the surroundings. Is the area unsafe? Does the care taker wash their hands after each diaper change or before handling food?

Step 6: Look outside. Is the facility near a heavy traffic area? Is there a fenced back yard, for outdoor play, is it kept locked at all times and safe from dangerous objects?

Step 7: Find out if there are specific times that parents are allowed to visit. Remember that most state licensing standards permit parents to visit unannounced.

Step 8: Inquire about daily activities and educational opportunities.

Step 9: Examine the teacher-to-child ratio and check to see if it meets your state's licensing standard.

Step 10: Inspect the provider's insurance policies and discuss the method used to notify parents in case of accidents or emergencies.

Licensed and Accredited Facilities

State approved, child care facilities must be either licensed or accredited. A licensed facilitymust meet minimum standards established by the state's Department of Human Services. They include standards for health and safety, adult-child ratios for age groups, training requirements for staff, equipment, daily program, nutrition, and behavior and guidance. Licensing regulations apply to all programs, whether a home or center, serving children more than 15 hours a week.

An accredited facility is required to pass rigorous national screening by either the National Association of Early Childhood Programs or the National Association for Family Child Care. Accredited programs meet standards beyond those established by the state licensing agency. The accreditation ensures that programs are of high quality in areas such as staff-parent communication, developmental curriculum and safety and health.

The Transition Period

Once you have enrolled your child, spend extra time at the facility with your child on the first few days.

Stay involved by asking how things are going, expressing thanks, and offering help and suggestions. Keep the caregiver informed about what is happening in your child's life. Do not wait for problems to develop. Make an appointment to discuss any concerns.

Sometimes, despite a careful search and selection of a quality child care provider, you may find that your child is unhappy, upset or unable to adjust to the childcare arrangement. Listen to your child. Something may be wrong and it may not be in their best interest to remain there.

Parents often feel guilty when they leave the care of their child to another person. However when parents select quality care, spend quality time with their child and keep up with their progress, it is easier to dispel these guilt feelings.

For assistance in locating a child care provider, contact: LifeCare.com. This referral service is sponsored jointly by the APWU and the USPS and will provide free, confidential counseling, education and referral service to assist members in finding service providers and other information they need to manage their personal responsibilities. LifeCare.com's toll-free number is 800-873-4636 (voice); 800-873-1322 (TDD).