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1. Start Early
Start looking for quality child care as far in advance as you can.
2. Make a Call
Begin your search by
calling the Child Care Resource & Referral of Upstate SC
(CCR&R) 864-467-4800 or 877-864-4800 toll free. The CCR&R can
give you the facts about child care and a list of child care options in
your area that meet your family needs.
3. Visit the Early Childhood Program and Ask Question
Make sure you visit the early childhood program options you are considering and check for the Child Care Quality Indicators listed below:
Adult to Child Ratio
Ask how many children
there are for each adult. The fewer the children for each adult, the
better for your child. Babies need a recommended adult to child ratio
of no more than 1:4 (one adult for four infants).
Group Size
Find out how many children are in the group. The smaller the group size the better.
Early Childhood Educator’s Qualifications
Ask about the early
childhood educator’s training and education. Early childhood educators
with degrees and /or special training in working with children will be
better able to help your child learn and willing to help as you develop
your parenting skills.
Turnover
Check how long early
childhood educators have been at the program or providing care in their
homes. Nurturing and regular early childhood educators can build your
child’s self-esteem and sense of security.
Accreditation
Find out if the early
childhood program has been accredited by a national organization.
Programs that are accredited have met voluntary standards for child
care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. The
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) are the two
largest organizations that accredit child care programs.
4. Make a Choice
Think about what you saw at each early childhood program visit, and make the best choice for you child and family.
Relative Care
Pros: usually inexpensive; great to have a relative with the your child
Cons: defining the relationship can be difficult; parents may get too much advice
Family Child Care
Pros: less expensive; small groups
Cons: less likely to be licensed or regulated; no back-up if provider is sick Center-based care
Pros: reliable; licensed; lots of social interaction
Cons: more expensive; impersonal; few accept infants; closed on holidays.
5. Stay Involved
The work isn’t over when you find good care for your child. You and your child’s early childhood educator are partners now.
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