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K-State professor offers tips on picking a good childcare provider By Rachel Potucek
Modern child daycare began in the mid-1800s, when working-class immigrant mothers sent their children to charity centers so the mothers could work in factories. At the time, many people thought childcare centers were immoral and improper. Now, 150 years later, the child daycare center has become something we can hardly live without. In fact, childcare is a booming industry since most parents work outside the home. From the YMCA to the lady next door, it can be hard to find the right one. How can a parent know which childcare provider to pick? LuAnn Hoover, an instructor in family studies and human services and the Early Child Laboratory program director at Kansas State University, has some advice. First, she says calling a child care licensing agent can be a good way to find centers that meet health and safety codes. "Parents may contact their local licensing agent in the county health department to obtain names of licensed homes and centers. The local agency may also have information available on identifying and selecting quality care," Hoover says. Good childcare offers more than physical health and safety, Hoover says. High-quality childcare is reflected in the relationships between the teachers and children. The ideal childcare should fit the child's emotional and mental needs and have the parents' trust. "Teachers who are responsive, friendly, nurturing, respectful; who have age-appropriate expectations for children and who provide age-appropriate learning experiences for the children would indicate high quality," she says. Hoover encourages parents to avoid a common mistake in choosing childcare: bargain hunting. She says the early years of a child's life are critical for their mental, emotional and social development. "I think the parents must consider the impact of their decision on the development of their child and save bargain shopping for other purchases," Hoover says. She recommends visiting prospective childcare centers at different times of day to get a feel for the children's behavior. Do the kids look happy? Ask to get a copy of the meal menu and activity schedule. Are there enough teachers to manage the children? Hoover says parents should make an appointment to speak with a provider. This guarantees that the provider has time to answer your questions. "It is often helpful to pose questions in an open-ended manner that will allow the care giver the opportunity to explain and provide information," she says. Questions Hoover recommends include: Tell me a little bit about how you handle discipline in your program. What are some of your favorite things to do with the children during the day? How do you know when you've had a good/successful day with the children? How do you know that the child has had a good day with you? Tell me a little about your style or approach to care giving.
Summer 2003 |
