father and son smiling

Finding child care can be an extremely complicated process – especially for families who are new to the world of child care. Where do I start? How much will it cost? What is the difference in home care and centers? Are all child care providers the same?

As early childhood specialists there are three areas that typically come as a surprise:

  1. Start Early: And we mean really early. It’s ok to call about reserving a spot with a child care provider before you even announce the pending arrival of your little one, in fact, we encourage it. Most high-quality child care providers stay full, but offer a waiting list to parents as long as they have a due date. The earlier you can get on the waiting list, the more likely you are to secure a spot.
  2. Prepare For the Cost: In the North Texas area, the average cost for full-time infant care is $225 a week, with some topping out at $1,500 a month. With an investment that large, it’s important to know that you’re getting what you’re paying for.
  3. Child Care Regulations: Regulated child care programs have standards in place that each program must follow. Texas child care licensing publishes all of their regulation visits results online, and families can – and should – review the results for all child care providers they are interested in. Texas has three types of child care programs that are regulated: licensed child care centers, licensed child care homes and registered child care homes. Each type has a different set of standards to follow. The more you know, the easier it is to recognize a quality and safe environment.

After you have a basic understanding of timing, cost and regulations, it’s time to focus on the details. Evidence is surfacing that a stimulating learning environment from infancy through 3-years-old will provide long-term benefits throughout school and into adulthood. No pressure, right? But the child care facility you choose could either allow your child to fall behind, or help give them an advantage that will last them a lifetime – literally.

Quality child care encompasses several components. Here are some points to consider when you are evaluating a child care facility:

  1. Size Matters: Adult-to-Child ratio, number of children in the facility, class size – these are all numbers you need to pay attention to. The fewer the children in relation to each adult, the better for your child. The younger the child, the more important this is. Babies need an adult- to-child ratio of no more than 1:4, while a 4-year-old can do well with a ratio of 1:10; however, the smaller the group, the better. A group of two adults with 10 children is better than a group of 25 two-year-olds with five adults.
  2. Caregiver Qualifications: Check the caregiver or teachers training and education, and don’t be afraid to ask for it if it isn’t automatically offered. Those with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn and thrive.
  3. Turnover: Ask how long caregivers have been at the center or home. It’s best if children stay with the same caregiver for at least a year.
  4. Accreditation: Has the provider been accredited by a national organization? Child-care providers who are accredited have the opportunity to also meet voluntary standards. These providers are higher ranking than most state licensing agreements, and should be given special attention when looking for true quality locations. Just as an FYI: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the two largest and most respected organizations that accredit child care programs.

Notice we didn’t discuss flashcards or rigors of academics. That is because children need developmentally appropriate programs that support and encourage their development on all fronts, not just cognitive.

Once you have identified potential programs it’s time to tour. Child care centers may require that you call and schedule a tour, so it’s always best to plan ahead. Child care homes typically conduct their initial tours in the evening or on a weekend and will probably want to have an interview with the family first. You should tour the same program many times and at different times of the day. Sometimes tours in the morning or late afternoon can give the appearance that the center is hectic because this is a busy time with families dropping off/picking up children. Tour again mid-morning or mid-afternoon to see if the program is still hectic. Many times you will experience a less hectic environment.

When touring a program, it’s important to come armed with questions in mind:

  • Are the children supervised at all times, even while sleeping?
  • Do all caregivers and children wash hands often?
  • What are your education requirements of teachers? Do they have a CDA credentials or early childhood degrees?
  • Is playground equipment safe and in good shape? Does someone inspect the playground?
  • How often do fire drills occur?
  • How do they handle tantrums, biting or discipline in general?
  • Does the program incorporate a curriculum in their program and how is this shared with the families?
  • How can families become involved in the child care program? You and the child care program will soon be partners in the care of your child.

For more tips and support for searching for and knowing what to look for during a child care program tour, you can contact Camp Fire.

While searching for child care can be lengthy and exhaustive, it’s important to keep in mind that it will pay off in the end. At the end of the day, trust your parental instinct!