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Choosing Quality
Look
Start by going to see several child care homes or centers. Your child’s early development depends upon how good the caregiver is that you choose. Think about your first impression after each visit. Ask yourself:
- Does the place look safe for your child?
- Do the caregivers or teachers that will take care of your child seem to enjoy talking and playing with the children?
- Do they kneel down to talk with each child at the child’s eye level?
- Are there enough toys and learning materials within a child’s reach?
You should always visit a home or center more than once. Stay as long as you can to get a good feel for what the care will be like for your child. Even after you start using the child care, continue to visit from time to time.
Listen
- What does the child care setting sound like?
- Do the children sound happy and involved with other children, teachers and caregivers?
- Do the teachers’ voices sound cheerful and patient?
A place that is too quiet may mean there is not enough activity. On the other hand, a place that is too noisy may mean the teachers are not in control.
Count
Count how many children are in the group. Then count how many staff members are caring for them. The fewer children there are for each adult, the more attention your child will get. A small number of children per adult is very important for babies and younger children.
Ask
It’s very important that the adults who take care of your children know how to give them the attention they need.
- Ask what experience staff has and about their backgrounds.
- Ask about the program director, owner, volunteers and any other adults that will have contact with your child in the home or center.
- Find out about the special training each person has and find out if the program is accredited.
Good care providers and teachers will be happy to answer these questions you ask.
Be Informed
Contact Licensing to ask about the history of the child care provider regarding licensing visits (you can view inspection records online). The Virginia Department of Social Services (VA-DSS) can help you with this information and shows you how to choose quality child care.
Report any suspicious behaviors or concerns you have about a child care provider to Licensing.