How to Select a Safe Day Care Provider

A large portion of your child's day is spent with the day care provider you select. Take the time to be sure that you are leaving your youngster in safe hands.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Select a licensed provider. Although many facilities that are not licensed give excellent care, choosing one with a license is just one more safety check to give you peace of mind.

2. Visit the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care's Web site for the health and safety regulations for child care facilities in your state.

3. Call (800) 598-KIDS to find out what agency sets the regulations in your state. Contact that agency to learn more about what requirements the provider has met.

4. Make sure that there have been no complaints against the provider filed by other parents.

5. Ask the provider for references you can call. Talk to other parents to find out how satisfied they are.

6. Do your own background check on the facility and staff. Ask for their credentials and check to be sure they are correct.

7. Ask neighbors of the facility what they think of the place.

8. Question the provider about what steps have been taken to ensure students will be safe in the event of a fire.

9. Ask to sit in and watch the staff interact with students before making up your mind. Do this a few times. A good facility will be comfortable with this and will have nothing to hide.

Tips & Warnings

• Be on the lookout for any changes in your child's behavior that could indicate a problem exists.

on 11/22/2005 Try http://www.childcareaware.org. This is the site of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. Every state has a CCR&R agency to help you locate child care in your area. They also provide you with information to use in your child care search (how to find high quality care, child development, safety, etc.).