Garland Home Child Care Association

What makes a registered childcare home a better choice for my child and our family?  If a provider is registered with the state they are required to have their homes inspected to insure the children's safety.  They are required to have CPR and first aid training every two years and to get training in different areas to benefit the children.  It is also better because they are not separated into age groups but learn to interact with children of different ages. There is not a turnover of teachers; they get close to the home provider and the other children.  The parents also build those bonds with the provider and form a closeness that benefits everyone.

How do I know if what they are charging is a fair price for services? If someone is charging a low amount, you need to ask yourself what they have to offer and what type of program they have.  You also need to ask if they are registered with the state and how many children they keep.  If they are charging too little they may be keeping more children than they are supposed to in order to
make a living.  Keep in mind that this is for most providers their profession and income, not just a hobby.  Quality child care will not be cheap.  Like the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for". That still holds true today, especially in childcare.  You need to ask yourself what you want for your children and how much it is worth to attain that.  Quality childcare is worth it.   

 How do I recognize a quality childcare?  A quality childcare will have things for each age group and a clean, well organized area for the children.  That is not to say that the home should be spotless.  It is, after all, still a home that a family lives in and your children will spend hours each day contributing to its "lived in" look.  If a prospective child care home is spotless and you never see things out of place, you might wonder how much time she is spending with the children and how much time she is spending cleaning.  The home should be clean but it would not be unreasonable for things to be displaced a bit.  There should be some structured activities and free play, not just one or the other.  They offer healthy meals and outside activities.  They strive to stay in compliance with the states laws in every area. They are professional in how they handle themselves and yet kind.

What type of atmosphere should there be and how should I feel when I visit the childcare home for the first time?  When you are greeted at the door, it should be with a smile and a welcome. You should feel comfortable and your children should gain a sense of ease as they look around and begin to play.  You should feel free to ask any questions and get ready responses that feel honest and open to you.  The children in her care should be happy, for the most part, (we all have a bad day).  If you get a feeling of uneasiness, that is your cue that it isn't the right place for you and your child(ren). You should never feel uneasy about where you are thinking of leaving your children.

How can I find out what others think of the child care provider?  The provider should have a list of references ready to give you and it is also a good thing if they have some letters from people that know them and/or have used them for care before.  If they do not offer those to you right away, be sure to ask if they have them.  That will help put your mind at ease when you can talk to others who know them and see what others have to say.  It is not a good sign if they cannot offer you any kind of reference after you request one.  Everyone knows someone.

 How can I tell if the provider is a professional and takes her position seriously or is just a babysitter?  A professional childcare provider will go to extended lengths to gain training to be the best she can be.  She should be able to show you what type of training she has done that year and previous years.  She will invest in the best resources to benefit the children and provide them with things to help them grow in all areas of development.  Her paperwork will be professional and her policies will reflect that, as well.  She relates to the children on their level and the childrens interact with her.  

Why is there a registration and supply fee?  Just like other programs outside of the home, a home childcare program uses that money to purchase things for the center.  It can go towards the normal day to day craft supplies, mats/cots for the children to nap on, toys and play equipment, computer programs, books, tapes, movies, furniture (cribs, high chairs, bouncers), outside play equipment, the list could go on forever.  A quality childcare will continually add to her supply of resources for the children in order to provide the very best for your children.

What should I expect my child to learn in a quality child care home?  Your child should learn their basic fundamentals that every child needs to know; abc's, 123's, shapes, colors, etc. They should also learn manners, how to treat others and how to handle situations that come up when playing with others.  They should learn life skills that will help them as they start school.  Sometimes the provider incorporates a second or third language in her program, Sign Language and Spanish are the ones that most use.  They should learn to play independently and in a group.  They should learn to create and express themselves through that creation.  Those are the basics that a quality child care home should provide.  Of course, it could offer even more.  Make sure to ask what types of skills are taught.