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Home : Providers
: Childcare
Childcare
 If you have to work outside of the
home, selecting the right daycare provider is probably the most
important thing you will do for your child's well being.
Select a provider that shares your same philosophies, discipline
methods, and reward systems.
Weigh the pros/cons of daycare centers verses
daycare homes - sample below:
| Centers |
Homes |
| (P) - centers are
always staffed and open |
(C) - if worker is
sick or on vacation you have to find a alternate (or miss work) |
| (P) - your child is
less likely to be alone with a worker |
(C) - unless your
worker has an assistant, your child will be alone with the
worker...if that's going to be the case, I recommend doing a
complete background investigation |
| (C) - lots of
kids...sometimes the child to staff ratio is high |
(P) - usually homes
can give your child more attention...however, depends on worker
and ratios |
| (P) - lots of
kids...gives your child lots of practice with social interaction |
(C) - sometimes homes
only care for a handful of children...less chance to interact
with different types of children |
| (C) - lots of
kids...lots of germs and most centers won't care for your child
if they are sick |
(P) - less kids...less
germs and some homes will care for your child even if they are
sick |
| most centers are
structured, depends on child if this is a pro or con |
most homes are
flexible, depends on child if this is a pro or con |
Prepare a list of questions before calling,
include things like:
Daycare Centers:
- How long have you been the director at this site? (stability
of center/mgmt)
- What qualifications do you require your staff to
have?
- What is your current child to staff ratio?
Daycare Homes:
- How long have you been a childcare provider?
- What made you choose childcare? (are they in for
the money or convenience, or because they love children?)
- Do you have any other type of home business? (will
the worker be focused on or pestered by your child?)
- What are your qualifications?
- How many other children do you care for? (are they
close to or over ratio?)
- Do you have a special area of your home for the
children?
- Do you have any pets?
- Does anyone in your home smoke?
Both:
- Tell me about a child's typical day under your care
- What is your method of discipline?
- What type of reward systems do you use?
- How would you react if _______?
- What is your sick policy?
- What days are you closed for holidays?
- Do you have ______ (your child's favorite toy, game
or activity)...if not, can I donate one?
ChildCareAware
is committed to helping parents find the best information on locating
quality childcare and childcare resources. 800.424.2246 www.childcareaware.org
Curious on What It Takes? Read the summary of licensing
standards for daycare centers, daycare homes, etc. www.state.il.us/dcfs/daycare/index.shtml
DCFS Information Line at 877/746-0829 provides information on providers such as; capacity limitations,
licensing violations, etc. A must call before you agree to have
anyone care for your child
DuPage Easter Seals currently has a wait list, so get
on list a.s.a.p. www.easter-seals.org
Fun Time Junction has a unique
center available through Villa Park's Iowa Community Center, they have a
partnership with NEDSRA so qualifying children can have a
dedicated/trained Leisure Buddy with them during the day! www.vprd.org/ftj.htm
Illinois Sex Offender Information
www.isp.state.il.us/sor/
YWCA Childcare Resource and Referral
Line DuPage Location - 630.790.8009 Subsidy Dept., 630.790.8137
Resource and Referral Various locations www.ywcadupage.org/ccrrmain.htm
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