MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION

When both parents work outside the home, one of the most important decisions they will ever make is choosing quality child care. Every child is special and unique and deserves the best start possible. Studies reveal that a high quality child-care program will help prepare a child for school readiness by increasing their chances to succeed. Research also indicates that employers benefit when their employees’ children are in quality child-care arrangements because parents are more secure and stable in their work environment. This makes parents more productive, thus making a win-win situation for everyone: parents, children and employers.

When looking for quality child care, consider the following:

• Gather information. Review North Carolina’s official child-care records. You can access these records at the N. C. Division of Child Development’s search Web site at http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us/search.asp. Or request information on a facility by phone at (800) 859-0829 (in-state only) or (919) 662-4499.

• Get recommendations from people you know. Talk to your friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors or others you know about their experiences with different child-care programs.

• Visit multiple facilities. Nothing is better than seeing the program first hand. During the visit remember that you are the consumer, and you have the right to ask as many questions as you want. Before making your decision about a child-care provider, visit several facilities. Compare the results of the checklists to determine the best suited program for your child. The more you know, the easier your decision will be, and the more comfortable you will feel making it.

In preparation for visiting a child-care center, take a checklist with you to remind you of things to look for and to record your observations. If you have additional questions, add them to the checklist. You should call the program in advance to arrange a convenient time for your visit. If appropriate, take your child along and observe his reaction to the program.

• Contact your local resource and referral agency. These agencies work with parents, child-care providers, businesses and community organizations to help promote the availability of quality child-care services.

• Check a facility’s star rating. If you are a parent looking for child care, the North Carolina Star Rated License system can provide peace of mind. In September 2000, the Division of Child Development issued star rated licenses to all eligible child-care centers and family child-care homes. (Note: Religious-sponsored child-care programs continue to operate with a notice of compliance and will not receive a star rating.) The star rated license is a voluntary licensing system in which a child-care program can earn points in three different areas: program standards, staff education and compliance history with child-care regulations.

Programs meeting higher standards can receive credit for doing this, and you can use this information as you search for a child-care program. The star rated license also acts as a roadmap for providers to follow as they strive to improve the quality of their care.

Each of the three areas of the star rated license (program standards, staff education and compliance history) has a range of one through five points. The star rating is based on the total points earned for all three areas. Listed below is the breakdown for the number of stars received based on the total points earned in each of the three areas.

1 star = 3-4 Points

2 stars = 5-7 Points

3 stars = 8-10 Points

4 stars = 11-13 Points

5 stars = 14-15 Points

For example, a program scores 2 points in program standards, 3 points in education standards, and 4 points in compliance history. The total is 2 + 3 + 4 = 9 points. The program would get a three-star rating.

Source: The North Carolina Division of Child Development

Child-Care Checklist

Tour the Center: Inside

• Is the license displayed in a visible location?
• Are separate spaces available for the different age groups?
• Is the quantity of toys and materials sufficient for the number of children in the classroom?
• Are the toys and materials developmentally appropriate for the different age groups?
• Is the classroom arranged in a way that toys and materials are accessible  to children?
• Are the furnishings in the classrooms child sized?
• Are there obvious hazards such as dangerous substances, electrical cords, uncovered electrical outlets, cleaning materials, or medications accessible to the children?
• Are fire extinguishers on site?
• Are fire escape plans/emergency evacuation plans posted?
• Are the sinks and bathroom stocked with appropriate supplies?

Tour the Center: Outside

• Do the children have an opportunity to play outside each day?
• Is the outside area free of litter and obvious hazards such as broken glass?
• Are there a variety of outside equipment/toys available and appropriate for various ages?
• Is the outdoor play equipment sturdy and in good repair?
• Are children being supervised by the child-care provider?
• Is there shade available outside where the children play?
• Do children two years and younger play separately from the older children?

Interaction Between Staff/Children/Parents

• Is the schedule of daily activities posted and current?
• Does there seem to be enough caregivers for the number of children in the room? (You may need to ask about staff/child ratios)
• Are the activities observed appropriate for the ages of the children involved?
• Do the child-care providers follow handwashing procedures after diapering/toileting?
• Are children allowed to make choices throughout the day?
• Do the children seem occupied and engaged by their activities?
• Are the child-care providers handling conflict among the children in a positive manner?
• Do the child-care providers seem patient and receptive to the needs of children?
• Is there a daily method of communication between the child-care providers and parents?

Operational/Policy

• Does the center encourage parents to drop in and visit at any time?
• Does the facility serve nutritious meals/snacks?
• Was there a current weekly menu posted in a visible location? 
• Are parents encouraged to participate and be involved?
• Do the hours of operation and holiday schedule accommodate your work schedule?
• Does the facility charge when a child is out sick or on vacation?
• Is there a late pick-up fee charge?
• Does the cost of care include meals and snacks?
• Does the facility offer transportation?
• Do ALL staff have current CPR and First Aid certification?

Additional Questions to Ask

• How are children disciplined? Are you comfortable with the discipline methods?
• How are nap times handled?
• What kind of security measures are in place to assure the safety of the children?
• What is the center’s policy for sick child care?
• What is the center’s policy for administering medications?
• What are the program’s staff-to-child ratios?

• N.C. Division of Child Development