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First Time Child Care Search
Looking for child care for the first time can raise many issues for parents:
"Will my child be safe and happy in this program? Will the teachers be
responsive to his needs? Will he have suitable playmates and activities? Will my
baby adjust well to a new caregiver?"
Enrolling your child in a family child care home can be a positive and
rewarding experience for you and your child. Some things you can do to make this
a better experience include:
 | Educate yourself on how to select good quality care; see Evaluating
Care |
| Visit several potential child care arrangements so you have a basis
for comparison |
| Think carefully about what types of programs will best suit your
child's and your family's needs |
| Check references carefully |
| Take time to ask questions and make a decision you can feel good about |
Questions to Consider:
| Is the provider willing to discuss your questions and concerns? |
| What are your child's needs, and what kinds of programs do you think she
would do well in? |
| What kind of transition policy does the provider follow? Are new
children transitioned slowly into the program? |
| How does the provider handle separation issues that occur for both
parents and children beginning a new child care arrangement? Consider your
child's developmental stages as you evaluate this issue. |
| Have you spoken with other families that have used this program for
first time care? |
What To Do After You Have Your Referrals
Once you receive referrals for providers, you will want to:
| Call the providers to do an initial screening, verify information you
already have, and request descriptive materials. |
| If the telephone screening indicates that this might be a match for
your needs, schedule a visit to tour the facilities and meet the child
care provider. |
| If possible, set up a second visit to the family child care home with
your child while other children are present. |
| Be sure to call the programs right away, as slots fill quickly. |
Questions to Consider:
| Is there an adequate amount of time set aside for your visit to address
all of your questions? |
| Can you take your child to visit the program -- either this visit or at
another time? |
| Can you plan your visit during transitional times of the day (e.g., when
children are going from an inside activity to an outside one)? This allows
you to observe a more challenging time of day for both children and
teachers. |
| Make sure that you take along your checklist of things to observe and
questions to ask during your visit. |
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Denver Association of Family Child Care
