Choosing Child Care: How to Find the Best Fit

*SPECIAL GUEST POST* by Rachel P. VanEtten, MA, an early childhood advocate, psychotherapist, mother, and writer. She writes with love and humor about issues related to early childhood education and raising children. Rachel is the mother of two young adult sons and lives in Denver, CO with her relentlessly loving husband. rachelpearlvanetten.com

Disclaimer: The health and safety of your child and family is a major consideration during this uncertain time of COVID-19. Please be aware that this article speaks to the topic of choosing child care without COVID-19 in mind. Visit www.ChildCare.gov for national and state COVID-19 child care resources and information.

Child care settings can be magical places for your child so it is important to take the time to choose the best fit possible. While making that decision can be stressful and difficult, this article offers suggestions to assist you.

Most parents juggle many tasks and responsibilities, which means there are many factors to examine when choosing a child care environment. For many, the first consideration is logistics.

• Research what child care facilities are available nearby.
  • What are the hours of operation? Does this match the needs of our family?
  • Where are the child care centers located? How long is the commute?
  • Is there before or after school care, if needed?

After determining the workable logistical parameters, the next step is to begin to collect data and organize information about your local child care options.

• Seek out and talk to other parents of young children for reviews.
• Visit: www.childcare.gov and choose your state. Two links will show up: Find Child Care Now In (your state) and Child Care Resources. The Child Care Resources link provides information about licensing information and regulations. There is a link to the Quality Rating Information System (QRIS) and inspection reports. Each state has a different format for research, so take time to investigate the links to learn more about your local child care facilities. 
• Get your questions organized in advance of calling child care centers.

 (Photo: Pixabay)

The next stage of the process is the best part: making contact and interviewing schools. There are many aspects of child care environments to consider; the physical space is just the beginning. I have listed a few topics to consider as you evaluate each child care environment for your child. Young children have different temperaments, so consider the degree of structure, the design of activities, and teacher engagement. A list of topics to consider asking about: 

• Child’s Daily Schedule: Most classrooms will post a daily schedule for parents to see that provides information about the classroom routines. Visual schedules at the child’s level are very helpful for children to see what will happen next. Pay attention to the flow of structured and unstructured playtime, meals, naps, outside time. Each classroom should also have a posting of teacher-child ratios and relevant licensing requirements.
• Child-Centered Curriculum: Child-centered means the classroom themes are based on the observations of children’s play and interests. I believe the early childhood classroom should represent the wonderings of the child in play and art. Also, look for visual aids to assist children in developing more independence. For example, children can put away toys by matching to an image of the toy on a shelf.
• Philosophy of Play: “Play-based” is a frequently used phrase. How do the teachers incorporate or embed learning into play? Many learning goals are happening while playing: vocabulary building, language modeling, and social-emotional skills. Also, many math and science skills, such as counting and cause and effect can be embedded into children’s play. How do the teachers capitalize on children’s play to deepen learning? The National Association for the Education of Young Children has resources that explain how play connects to learning.  https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/play
• Books In The Classroom: Do the children have access to a variety of books? How often are teachers reading to students? Are books diverse and inclusive? Do the books rotate with the interest of the students? Ask to see some examples of books.
• Music and Movement: Children love music and movement! What opportunities are children given for music and movement? Any musical instruments in the classroom for playing?
• Outdoor playground equipment and gross motor options: Young children need plenty of opportunities to move throughout the day, especially outside (weather permitting). Schools often offer trikes or scooters, areas to run, dig, and explore the natural world. How much time do children have outdoors? What equipment is available for children? Any safety concerns with equipment or outdoor areas? Is any shade available for reading books or a picnic outside? Options for sensory play: water, mud kitchen, art? Any areas for growing vegetables or flowers?
• Relationships: Relationships are a critical aspect of a young child’s development. Children are learning through modeling and interacting with others. How does the school teach social-emotional skills? How do teachers resolve the conflict between students? Good communication pathways between school and home are essential. How do teachers communicate with parents? How does the school communicate with parents? Does the school or classroom host any parent volunteer opportunities or visits? Any opportunities for parents to attend community events to build friendships within the school? Raising children is a team sport and community helps.
• Final Thoughts/Parent Handbook Information: Schools may have a handbook with many of these topics: Arrival and pickup protocol? Is arriving late a problem? What are the safety protocols in place in case of an emergency? What is the school’s ability to attain qualified substitute teachers? What are the daily sanitizing and cleaning routines? What are the snack and lunch routines? What are the routines for napping and diapering? What is the school’s practice for potty training? Ask all your questions!

In my experience as an early childhood educator, children arrive excited to start their day. They play, eat snacks, read books, sing songs, and accomplish many new tasks. They may be tired when they arrive home as they adjust to their new environment, routine, and more time playing with their peers. Dedicate the necessary time and effort toward choosing a child care environment that meets your family’s logistical needs and encourages learning through play. While finding a high-quality licensed child care environment may feel challenging or overwhelming, it is essential. Embrace and enjoy the process as an enriching developmental step for you and your child.

Do you have additional questions?

(Top photo: Adobe Stock)