Every parent wants the best for their child
ABOUT CHILD CARE
EVERY PARENT WANTS THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILD.
As a parent, you want to be confident that your child is in a healthy, safe and happy environment. You also want a child care program that meets your child's needs as he or she grows and learns. The best way to ensure this is to be informed about your child's care. So you can learn about your child care options as below:
WHAT CHILD CARE CHOICES ARE?
Parents can choose from several options of licensed child care. Here are the benefits of each:
LICENSED HOME-BASED CHILD CARE:
Children of the same family may be placed together. Child care agency provides assistance, support and monitoring. Caregiver has to meet certain standards of care. Small group size. Child care fee subsidy may be available.
LICENSED CENTRE-BASED CHILD CARE:
Children are with other children their age. Staff members include professionals with training in early childhood education and certification. The centre has to meet certain standards of care and meeting the regulations set by Alberta Child Care Licensing. Activities are designed for children at different stages of development. A child care fee subsidy may be available.
SCHOOL AGE CARE: BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE
School-age children get different programs from preschool children. Children can choose their own activities. Activities are geared to older children. Staff have experience working with school-age children and are always present to guide and encourage them.
HOW CAN I FIND A CHILD CARE PROVIDER?
As a parent, you want child care that will help your child learn and grow. You want your child to be safe and happy. You can choose a child care program at a licensed child care centre or a home-based child care provider. Start looking into your options early. It may take time to find suitable care for your child.
FOUR STEPS TO FIND THE RIGHT CHILD CARE
STEP 1: THINK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF CARE YOUR CHILD NEEDS
Consider the following questions about your child care needs:
Do you need to find a child care program near your home, work or school?
How many hours each day, and days each week, will you need child care?
Will you need help paying for child care?
If you have more than one child, what type of care do you need for each and do you want them at the same location?
Does your child have any special needs that the child care provider has to meet?
Do you want your child in a home-based program or in a child care centre?
What type of setting would your child be most comfortable in?
Do you want your child to be in a program with other children of the same or different ages?
Once you have a clear idea of your needs and wants for child care, you can start looking at possible options.
STEP 2: FIND AT LEAST THREE PROGRAMS TO CONSIDER.
If you are looking for a First Nations provider, please contact your local band office administrator.
In addition, some Calgary Early Years Centres, Parenting and Family Literacy Centres or child care resource centres may have a list of child care providers for their area. Please keep in mind that these lists have not been approved by the Alberta Child and family Services, family resource centres or the Ministry of Education. It's up to parents to research, choose and monitor their own child care arrangements.
Call child care providers to find out more about the programs they offer and to see if they meet your needs. Try to find at least three child care options that would be good for your family. That way you can choose the program that best meets your needs
STEP 3: INTERVIEW EACH PROGRAM YOU'RE CONSIDERING
Call each of the child care providers you are considering. Speak to the person in charge, such as the supervisor, Director or a home visitor at a private-home day care agency. If they are not available, ask when would be a good time to call again.
When you call, have a list of questions ready to ask the child care provider. The answers to these questions can help you choose the places you want to visit.
HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK AGENCIES AND DIFFERENT CHILD CARE PROVIDERS:
How does the agency choose providers?
What happens when providers are sick or on vacation?
Do providers have special training?
What is the agency's philosophy or approach when working with providers?
What kind of activities do providers do with the children?
Are there opportunities to experience art, music, group and individual play and indoor and outdoor play?
What hours of care are available? Are they flexible?
How many children are at each location?
What age groups are at each location?
How soon is care available?
What is the cost of care? Are there any additional charges?
Is there a charge when children are sick or away on holiday?
Is there an application fee?
Is transportation provided if children have to travel a distance to and from school?
Is a fee subsidy available?
What are your hours?
How many children do you care for (including your own)?
What are the ages of the children you have in care?
Who else lives in the home and may or may not have access to your child?
What training do you have?
What areas of the home will the children have access to?
What kinds of meals and snacks are provided? Are they nutritious?
How do you deal with children's misbehaviour? Offer “what if” scenarios. For example, what if a child hits another child?
What if a child throws a tantrum over a toy another child is playing with?
Do you toilet train children and how do you approach the training?
Do you show television shows or movies to the children? How much time do the children spend watching television or movies each day?
How many staff members care for each group? How many children are in a group?
Are staff registered as early childhood educators with the College of Early Childhood Educators?
Can the centre accommodate the special needs of children?
Are parents encouraged to drop in?
Do you have a waiting list?
What is your philosophy or approach to working with children?
How do I know if my child is thriving in child care?
Am I usually eager to go to child care?
Do I have fun there?
Do I feel safe and comfortable there? > Am I respected there?
Am I heard there?
After you get the answers to your questions, decide whether or not the licensed child care program meets your needs and whether or not it's a good fit for your family. Then make plans to visit each program you are considering.
