When you're searching for a child care provider, you and your family will be joining in new experiences and relationships with those who will be caring for your children. You, the child care director and/or primary caregivers have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and well-being of your child. The Indiana Department of Family & Social Services, is part of this partnership, too.

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What should you know when searching for a child care program?

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While each child care provider is responsible for meeting minimum standards, many child care providers exceed these requirements. Each operation has its own special personality and approach to educating and caring for children. Your child will benefit from the time you spend researching and choosing a child care provider that meets the needs of your child and your family. Child care is a choice. Make an informed one by following these steps:

 

1.  Research your options. If possible, begin gathering basic information several months before you think you will need              child care. Many operations have waiting lists.

• Check out this website to find quality child care providers. You can also view details about services offered by the child care provider, inspection dates, and any minimum standard violations.

• Check out this website to view the minimum standards for the type of child care program you are interested in

• Talk to friends, family, and other parents about their recommendations of regulated child care.

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• Narrow your list to a few child care centers or homes that interest you.

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• Arrange to visit the child care operations to compare their programs. If you did not review the inspection reports on the website above, you will want to ask each operation about their history with inspections.

• Visit the operation when children are in care so you can see the type of activities the children are engaged in and you can see how the caregiver interacts with children. Keep in mind the individual needs of your child. Imagine what it would be like to spend 10 hours every day in that environment. You may want to ask if you could bring your child to the operation and spend a couple of hours so your child can explore the operation and interact with the caregiver.

• Meet with the caregiver or Director. Discuss any of your concerns and make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction. Use the Top 10 Questions to Discuss when Choosing Child Care when talking with the caregiver and Director. If you have any reservations about the caregiver or the operation, trust your instincts and keep looking. You may want to come back to the operation unannounced.

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2.  Make a pros and cons list and choose the most appropriate child care program for your child and your family. If you              have any specific questions about an operation’s compliance with minimum standards before you make your choice feel      free to contact your local Licensing office.

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What responsibilities do you have as a parent?

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It is important that you establish a good relationship with your child care provider. Parent involvement and active communication can ensure a positive child care experience for both you and your child. Here are some other responsibilities you have as a parent:

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• Provide the necessary information. The child care operation must obtain certain information from the parent about their child upon enrollment. It is important you provide this information so the child care provider can ensure the health and safety of your child. Some examples are:

  • Complete list of emergency contacts and persons your child may be released to.

  • Emergency care authorization and physician information.

  • Current list of immunizations.

  • Preschool health statement.

  • Indication of any special needs or allergies.

  • Medication authorizations.

• Read all the material the child care provider provides to you. A licensed or registered child care provider is required to provide you with a copy of their operational policies also known as a Parent Handbook. It is important you read, understand, and ask any questions.

• Keep talking with your child’s caregiver. Good communication with your child and child’s caregiver is vital from the very beginning and will help ensure good care for your child.  Be mindful that a caregiver’s main responsibility is the supervision and care of children.  If having a discussion with your caregiver becomes a distraction, it may be a good idea to set up a conference time.

• Be your child’s advocate. Ask your child about their day, what they did, who they saw or anything special that day. Share their excitement about new friends, new skills, listen to their concerns and give them a chance to boast about their achievements.

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What should you do when you have concerns?

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You may find yourself displeased about something that has happened at your child’s child care provider. It is important you communicate your concerns with the director or caregiver. There may be a misunderstanding that can easily be resolved.

If you feel the situation isn’t resolved and you believe the operation is not meeting the minimum standards, you should report your concerns to a local Licensing office or contact the Indiana Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-800-5556 or visit this website. 

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If you suspect your child has been abused or neglected you must report the situation immediately to the Child Abuse Hotline. Parents who suspect their child has been abused in child care sometimes remove their child from the operation, but do not report the problem. This leaves other children in danger. Be seriously concerned with your child care provider if you see that:

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• Parents are not encouraged or allowed to visit the operation during the day.

• Children are left without direct adult supervision.

• Classrooms are continually out of control or there appears to be too many children in care.

• Caregivers are scolding and yelling at children.

• Caregivers are physically rough with children and allow rough play.

• The provider is unsanitary or has unsafe conditions.

• Your child is unhappy about being left at the facility and this doesn’t improve over time.

• You child comes home with unexplained bruises or injuries.

• Infants are napping in unsafe sleep conditions.

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Hope Chapel and Beta Early Learning Academy will be providing childcare focused on building social and academic skills to the Crawfordsville and the greater Montgomery County Area. We emphasize a safe, well rounded education focused on building social and academic skills. We offer a top-notch educational experience in a secure environment with very experienced teachers.

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