How to choose quality child care

In this article you will find the following pages:

 

Five Steps To Choosing Care

 

gives you an overview of the steps to take when you’re looking for child care. You’ll get helpful information on where to look, what to look for, and what to do after you’ve made your decision. You’ll learn how to find a local agency that can help you locate child care programs.

 

Selecting a Child Care Program: Visiting and Asking Questions

 

goes in-depth to show you what a quality program should look like. You’ll learn about indicators of quality that you can look for as you visit potential child care programs, including licensing and accreditation. You’ll also get a list of questions that you can ask each child care provider to learn more about their program and how they’ll care for your child.

 

Child Care Quality Ratings

 

are available in many states. A Quality Rating and Improvement System, or QRIS, often will use symbols (such as stars) to indicate levels of quality in child care programs. Families can use these QRIS ratings to identify quality child care. Learn more about QRIS and how to get information on child care quality ratings where you live.

 

Understanding Child Care Policies and Contracts 

walks you through what to look for when reviewing a child care program’s written policies. You’ll also learn what information should be included in any child care contract you sign. Written policies are important because they help make sure you understand and agree with the way that your child will be cared for.

 

If You Can’t Find Care

gives you options for what to do if you’re having trouble finding the right program. Get ideas on how to alter your search and where you might try finding more child care options.