One of the most difficult decisions facing parents today is that of finding someone who will care for their child in their absence. Perhaps nothing disturbs a parent more than the thought of an unqualified or uncaring person supervising their child. With families living further apart and parents working longer hours than ever before, it is often necessary to find childcare solutions that best meet the needs of today’s families. One doesn’t usually make a major purchase without first doing research or shopping around. In the same sense, parents should take the same precautions when checking out daycare centers or babysitters for their most precious gifts—their children.
It is not uncommon to hear of neglect, lack of safety, and even abuse in childcare situations, so for parents, the process of choosing a provider is very serious business. Depending on the age of your child, he or she could spend up to 12 hours per day with their caregiver—that’s 60 hours per week!
Some may hire a sitter for the home while others take their child elsewhere to be watched. Regardless of the method you choose, Sarah Hogan, supervisor for childcare licensing at the Tennessee Department of Human Services, reminds us that “childcare is a partnership between parent and caregiver on behalf of the child.”
There are several ways to investigate the qualifications and environment of a daycare before you entrust your child to others.
- Know the licensing regulations for your state. Some states require background checks, CPR training, frequent inspections and health tests for the facility and its employees. Others don’t.
- When advertising for a position within your home, thoroughly screen by phone and only visit with the top candidates. Check references for all prospects.
- Don’t stop looking until you are satisfied. Trust your instincts, even if everything else checks out.
Make a wish list of what you are looking for in a provider. Update it regularly.
The right questions can make all the difference in your selection.
The following questions may help in your search.
- What is your background? What do you know about the background of your employees?
- What costs are involved? When are payments due? What are your hours? Are there certain holidays the center will be closed, and will I be expected to pay for them?
- What is your sick policy? Do you have an open-door policy for parents?
- Ask about meals, snack times and what you are expected to provide.
- It is also important to observe the facility.
- Look for safety hazards and cleanliness, and watch the interactions between children and caregivers. If you observe caregivers dealing with other children in a negative way, don’t expect your child to receive better treatment. “Children receive either positive or negative messages based on the interactions with the caregiver and with the environment,” says Sarah Hogan. “Hopefully, they are receiving positive messages.”
The number to call for all regulated childcare providers in Tennessee is 1-800-462-8261. You can request information by zip code and type (home or center-based provider). You can also access public records on providers by speaking to a licensing counselor at (423) 634-6180.
Copyright ©2010 First Things First
