Tips on Quality Child Care
Quality childcare is a hot issue in the Northwest and throughout the country; the heat will likely continue. Recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics are telling: In 1998, married couples in families where both parents work were, for the first time, in the majority (51 percent.) And there was a record high -- 59 percent -- in the labor force of mothers with children under the age of one year, almost double what it was approximately 20 years ago.
The well being of their children is top of mind for parents; peace of mind is important while they are separated from them. The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's Child and Family Program Web site offers a range of information and resources for parents and early childhood and education professionals. The site also provides links , such as the one to the Families and Work Institute. There, Ellen Gallinsky, president of the institute, gives some tips on what parents should look for in evaluating childcare providers. The following are taken from questions she suggests you ask yourself:
- How does your childcare provider greet your child? Warmly? Curtly? Studies show that the warmth of the relationship between children and their providers is key to quality care. If children don't feel safe and cared about, they will have difficulties learning and growing.
- Pay close attention to how your caregiver relates to your child. The responsive provider repeats the sounds your baby makes, or, when your toddler gets excited about something, asks questions, listens, and encourages.
- What do you see at the end of the day? Is your child busy at play, engaged in art projects, reading books, and interacting with other children? Or does your child rush up and cling to you when you arrive? If it's the latter, the child may be bored and starved for attention—and in need of a new daytime environment.
- What is the adult-to-child ratio? Gallinsky recommends a group size of six to eight infants for every two adults, and six to 12 young toddlers (one and two years old) per three adults. For preschool, look for 14-20 children for every two teachers.
- What is the teacher turnover? Constant turnover can be disruptive and potentially disturbing for children. If you're hiring a nanny, look for one who doesn't have a history of job-hopping. Good centers, which pay their workers reasonably well and treat them with respect, should have a turnover rate of less than 25 percent.
- Do the teachers have advanced training? Don't dismiss the value of well-trained providers—they understand how children develop and are better able to meet their needs.
- Is the environment safe, clean, and inviting? At a minimum, providers should follow basic health and safety measures, such as washing hands after changing diapers and keeping a list of emergency numbers so you or a doctor can be quickly contacted if necessary.
- Do you feel supported as a working parent? Or do comments and actions make you worry and feel guilty about leaving your child all day?
- Would you want to stay there all day? If the answer is no, then look for another arrangement. With the right provider, your child will thrive.
This column, by Karen Lytle Blaha, is provided as a public service by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, a nonprofit institution working with schools and communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
