Congregations Caring for Children

children, is the provider trained on car seat and vehicle safety? Ask about the

provider's driving record.

Values: What are the provider's philosophy and values? How does the

provider discipline children? How does the provider individualize learning

activities, nap, mealtime, and toilet training?

Communication: Does the caregiver share information with you on how your

child is doing? Can you visit at any time?

Experience: How long has the caregiver provided child care? What type of

education does she have? Did you contact Community Care Licensing for the

caregiver's past history?

Operation: What hours does it operate? Does this provider offer evening,

early morning, or weekend hours? What age and how many children will the

provider care for? What is the staff to child care ratio the home must follow?

Does the caregiver have children at home? Are the children counted in the

ratio?

Location: Where is the home? Is it close to your work, home, and health care

provider?

Cost: What are the monthly fees? Late fees? Registration fees? Is there a

vacation or sick leave credit when your child is out?

Back up plan: What is the provider's back up plan? When does the provider

go on vacation or take personal holidays? What types of experience do the

assistant or substitute caregivers have?

School age care

Quality school age care offers a safe, friendly, and stimulating environment for

older children when they are not in school. Children need to be supervised at all

times. Indoor and outdoor activities should be stimulating and fun for this age

group.  School age care also needs to be flexible to offer a program that meets the

individual needs of children. Here are some questions to consider when looking

for quality school age care:

Is transportation provided to and from school? If necessary, is the provider on

the bus route?

Are afternoon snacks available?

What about homework? Is there access to a quiet study place, computers or

other learning tools?

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