During the summer months, many children are out of school and parents are forced to find childcare to watch their children so that they are safe while the parents work. If you are in a situation where you must find childcare for your child, it is important to make sure that you are sending them to someone that will do more than just watch them. You want to be sure that your child is not going to be placed in front of a television for hours on end rather than actually doing things during their summer break. The following guide walks you through the process of finding a great private child care provider for your child.
Ask to See Certifications
When you meet with the child care provider, ask to see their first aid certifications. You want to be sure that your child is in a safe environment and allowing them to stay with someone that does not know how to do the Heimlich maneuver or CPR is not safe. The certifications should be up to date and certified by a reputable company.
Ask to See Licenses
Many jurisdictions allow in-home child care providers to be monitored by a child welfare board in the area to make sure that they offer safe environments for children. The provider has to go through stringent inspections in order to get their license to take care of children in their home. Taking your child to a provider that is licensed should give you peace of mind that he or she is doing everything they should be doing when it comes to the safety and well-being of the children they care for in their home.
Ask to Tour the Home
Take a tour of the home to ensure that everything is as safe and clean as it can be. Do not be afraid to ask to see the bathrooms, kitchen, and play areas. You also want to take the time to look around the exterior of the home, as well. Many child care providers have outdoor areas for children to play in and you need to make sure that those areas are gated off so that children cannot wander out of the provider's sight accidentally.
Ask to See the Mode of Transportation
Take the time to look at the vehicle that they will be using to transport the children from one place to another. You need to be sure that it is large enough for all of the children to be restrained in the vehicle by a safety belt. Also, look at the inspection sticker for the car ensure that it has been inspected recently. You want your child to only be placed in a vehicle that is safe and running properly.
Once you have all of this information, you should be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not the child care provider will be a good fit for your child. If you choose to use the provider, be sure to get a contract outlining the expectations you have for while your child is in the person's care. This allows you both to reference what the expectations are quickly and easily at any time. For more information about child care, contact a place like Michelle's Academy.
Share10 June 2015
As the mother of only one little girl, I have been learning a lot over the past three years. I have spent hours researching and discussing what is best for my little girl. Recently, I have been digging into what to do about her education. When is it best to get her enrolled in pre-school? Was staring her at 3 years old too soon? I have learned a lot about how to determine if your little one is ready to enter pre-school. Go to our family blog to find the answer to this question and so many more about raising your little one.
