How to Choose a Quality Childcare Centre

If your family is like most families today both parents work outside the home and you require childcare. Maybe you feel your children need socialization with their peers. Perhaps, your child has a learning disability or you would like him or her to be ready for Kindergarten.

No matter what the reason, if you have decided to register your child in a childcare facility your work is just beginning. Do your homework. Be happy and satisfied with the facility you choose for your child.

How do you choose Quality Childcare for your child?

First, start with picking a Provincially Licensed Facility. There are very strict standards that each licensed facility must follow. It’s called the Child Day Care Facility Operator Standards. A Regional Co-ordinator from Family & Community Services performs Inspections on a regular basis, as well as several "Spot Checks" throughout the year to ensure that facilities are following the "Provincial Standards."

The Department of Health & Wellness and the Fire Marshall also inspect these facilities a few times a year.

Even though a Childcare facility follows the Provincial Standards, doesn’t mean they can deliver a Quality Program.

So what is Quality Childcare? What can you do to ensure that your child is attending a facility that delivers Quality Childcare?

First, you will find quality care in a centre that goes above and beyond the minimum standards. Quality childcare is not to be found in the price. Unlike purchasing products in retail, a higher price doesn’t mean better quality. But at the same time, when looking for a childcare centre don’t make price a primary reason for choosing a centre.

You need to visit all the facilities in your area, don’t settle on the first one you see. Call every centre; make inquiries to the Director/Administrator regarding their programs. After your questions, quality centres will always invite you for a tour so you can see what they have to offer you and your child. Take them up on their offer and be sure to bring your child with you.

Tour the entire centre, even programs that your child will not be registered in. Once at the facility, ask to see their Inspection Reports. In a quality centre, the most recent Inspection Report should be posted in every classroom.

Watch the staff at the centre, see how they interact with the children, and watch how they interact with each other. A positive atmosphere is another indicator of quality childcare. Listen to see how the staff talks to the children. Using a positive respectful tone and encouraging words are a must for any Educator working with children.

Notice the supervision level. Does the staff interact with the children or are they preoccupied with something else?

Look around the classrooms. Are they well equipped with educational toys? Is the room clean and tidy? Is the room bright and inviting? Is equipment at the children’s level? Are there several different areas in the room for the children to play?

Each program is required to have a minimum of six different Interest Centers available to the children at all times. Is every Interest Centre well equipped with age appropriate toys and equipment? Look at the equipment, is it in good shape or do you notice broken pieces and cracked toys?

You should also ask the staff questions. Ask if they are trained in Early Childhood Education or what training they have? Every staff working in a childcare facility is required to have their training in First Aid & CPR. Ask to see their First Aid Certificates. Following the Provincial Standards, all certificates must be posted in the classroom.

Ask to see their Program for the month, and ask to see their daily schedule.

Another important question that should be asked is what training and experience the Director/ Administrator of the facility has. The qualifications of the Director/ Administrator are just as important as the qualifications of the Early Childhood Educators in each room.

Quality Childcare Centres will not mind you asking questions. They understand you need to feel secure that your child will be safe, happy and receiving quality childcare and not just a babysitting service. Ask for a copy of the Centre’s Policy. In most quality centres the Director will sit down with you and go over the most important parts of their Policy Manual and give you a copy to take home and look over. Provincial Standards stipulate that all clients are entitled to a copy upon registration.

Ask to see a copy of the menu from Food Services for the facility. Posting this for clients to see is required. Is the menu low risk for contamination? Does it follow the Canada Food Guide? Is the food nutritious or is a lot of junk food being served? Do Food Services Personnel have the Food Sanitation Course? Do the Early Childhood Educators have the Food Sanitation Course?

Another excellent resource for an investigating parent is the Regional Coordinator for Childcare Facilities at the Department of Family & Community Services. In the Miramichi and surrounding areas this is Melanie Fournier.

The Regional Coordinator can answer questions on how a facility should operate and can also let you know if the facility you are choosing is a quality one. When you call the Regional Coordinator, be prepared to ask several questions and write them down so you won’t forget. Ask what they look for during an Inspection; ask about staff to children ratios for the age group that your child will be in. Ask about the facilities inspections, if there have been any major complaints or if the facility follows the Provincial Standards?

Your children are your most cherished possession and it is up to you to choose the safest, most loving and high quality environment for them to attend. They are too young to make that decision for themselves, the responsibility is on you. But one thing to look for in the visit is how your child reacts to the environment. Please keep in mind that it does take children time to adjust, and it may take a couple of visits for both you and your child to arrive at that point. Remember you are leaving your child in the care of a stranger and they need to feel safe and secure in the new environment.

In a quality centre, staff will work with parents to make this transition easier for Mom, Dad and their child. They will offer support to both the parents and child. Often, it is the parents who have a harder time with separation then the child does. Remember, they are enrolled in an active and fun program and they are kept busy all day, making new friends and experiencing new things.

The first five years are the most important and precious in a child’s development. Make it count for your child by being well informed. It is up to you where you choose to enrol your child. You need to feel comfortable and happy with the staff, facility and environment.

Be prepared to ask questions. If you are wondering about something, ask. If it is on your mind, you won’t feel comfortable with the centre you choose until your question is answered.

Quality childcare can make a big difference in your child’s development, so choose wisely.

These childcare tips are brought to you by Kindertots Children's Centre, where Little People mean a lot. Come in today and check out our high quality educational programs. www.kindertots.com