Steps to Choosing

Quality Child Care

Twelve Ways Parents Can Support Their Provider

1. Make sure your child is well fed and rested.

2. Drop off and pick up your child on time. If you must be late or absent, call and let your provider know.

3. Say thank you frequently. Show appreciation with a small gift, gift certificate, or flowers. Have your child draw a picture for your provider or make a thank-you note.

4. Read a book to the children for your provider. Share one of your interests, something about your culture, or a talent that you possess. Offer to assist on a field trip.

5. Offer to substitute for your provider so that she can take a short break to walk around the block, go to the doctor, or run errands.

6. Treat your provider professionally. Be prompt with payments and considerate of nonworking hours.

7. Adhere to policies. Read information sent home.

8. Arrange a backup plan for when your child is sick or your provider needs time off.

9. Allow adequate time at drop-off and pickup for your child to make the transition from one caregiver to another.

10. Appreciate that your provider is caring for a group of children.

11. Share information that will assist your provider in caring for your child (for example, a parent being out of town for an extended period or the results of a developmental screening.)

12. Communicate early concerns, before resentment builds.

Call Your Local

Child Care Resource and Referral

Northeast Colorado Child Care Resource and Referral can explain the types of child care available, give referrals to child care providers in your area, and guidance for searching and selecting child care that best fits your family’s needs.

Call the Child Care Providers Referred To You

During your initial conversation with a child care provider you will want to find out if that child care provider has an opening for your child(ren) during the times and days you need child care, location, fees, description of a typical day and other questions that are of particular importance to you. You will then arrange to meet the child care providers who you feel will best fit your families needs.

Visit the child care provider’s facility

Look & Listen: Trust your feelings about the caregiver and the environment. You will quickly be able to see whether the children are busy and happy, bored and listless, or tense. Listen to the sounds. How would your child feel about being there? Is the provider affectionate with the children? Count: Count the number of children in a group. Make sure the number is within regulations. Ask: Ask about the background, experience, and training of the provider. Request references.

Contract with a child care provider

In most cases the child care provider will request that you sign a contract. Make sure you read and understand and are willing to comply with the child care providers policies and their contract before you sign.

Making it work

Make an effort to raise concern with the provider as soon as they come up, so they do not grow. Take time to talk regularly to your caregiver. Keep her well informed. Make sure she knows you appreciate her.