Childcare Questions Answered

Making the decision to have a child is only the beginning. From that point forward life as you know it will change in ways you never thought possible. Issues you may have never considered will now take foremost thought in your decision making skills. Will you feed your child organic food? Will television corrupt your little toddler? One of the most important decisions, that unfortunately some may have no choice in making, is whether or not to enroll their young child in a childcare program.

At what age can I place my child into childcare?

Childcare centers differ on the required ages. Some will take infants as young as six weeks old whereas other require that a child be at least three and be completely potty trained. Since childcare centers are different in each area, the best advice is to drop by or call the center you are interested in to find out their available slots and what ages they take.

I only want part-time childcare, is this a problem?

Many childcare facilities offer part-time time slots. The charges are usually either set off as per hour or per four hour block. If you are looking for daycare only a few days of week, many can work that into their schedule. There are childcare centers that do not allow for part-time due to the overwhelming demand for their available slots. There are alternatives such as churches and babysitters. You can always check references and ask around about programs for parents that just need an occasional break.

What is the difference between a daycare, babysitter, nanny or a pre-school?

Daycares and childcare centers are essential the same. It is a licensed business that abides under the state's childcare laws. Most have a lesson plan they follow and a schedule of activities. Many daycares and childcare centers employ a staff that has undergone the necessary training in CPR as well as state licensing requirements.

Is there a learning plan for my child?

Whether or not there is a lesson plan for your child all depends on who is taking care of him or her. A licensed daycare or pre-school will usually have a lesson plan that teaches your child the fundamentals necessary before they enter school. A pre-school is set up with the mindset that children must have fundamental preparation if they are to meet the rigorous standards set in our education system. If you are choosing a childcare center for this reason, you need to review what the teachers will utilize in their instruction. Higher priced facilities may offer foreign language, computers and even martial arts as part of their standard curriculum.

Does someone have to be licensed in order to watch children?

Licensing requirements vary from state to state but most in-home babysitters do not have to be licensed. Would parents prefer it? Most parents would agree that the safety and education of their child is important but many parents cannot afford to pay for elite learning academies. The waiting list for elite pre-schools in certain cities can be up to three years long and require several thousand dollars a year for tuition. This forces many parents who struggle with finances to turn to alternative childcare facilities or babysitters.

If an adult watches more than a couple of children, the state will often require that they be licensed and registered. Many parents are advocating that all babysitters and childcare facilities be required to obtain background checks so that sex offenders are not allowed near their children.

What is the admission process for a daycare or pre-school?

The admission process for most daycares or pre-schools is pretty standard. The parent comes in, tours the facility, and fills out a set of paperwork. The paperwork will cover immunizations, health questions and information about the parents. It should also have a section that lists anyone allowed to visit or pick up the child from the center. If the facility seems lax about the paperwork…go to another facility. You do not want to risk the health or welfare of your child. If they do not care about your paperwork chances are there are deficiencies with their rules and regulations.

How many children should there be per teacher?

Each state is different when it comes to laws regulating daycares and babysitters. The ratio used is based on the child's age. For example: most daycares require one teacher per four to six infants. This helps ensure that each child is cared for properly.

What types of laws regulate childcare facilities?

The Department of Human Services for each state regulates childcare establishments. They set forth the rules governing licensing, sanitation and feeding guidelines. DHS is also covers any issues that arise with the facility such as complaints or reports of abuse. The laws for each state vary so it is important to know your state guidelines when you are searching for a daycare or seek to operate one.

What are common rules of childcare facilities?

The rules vary but there are some rules most childcare facilities share in common. The first is that children are never physically disciplined. The discipline method most often found is time-out followed by suspension if the child continues to be unruly. Another common rule is for illness. If a child is running a fever or has a contagious illness, the parent is instructed to not send the child to school that day. In reality rules can be whatever the director of the facility set in place as long as they are within state guidelines. At the beginning of enrollment, the staff will send home information with the parents to review.

Can children catch communicable diseases from childcare facilities?

There are many illnesses that can be transmitted from child to child. These can range from the flu to respiratory viruses. There are other problems many parents face with their children in daycares. The most prevalent problem is lice. It is remarkably easy for a lice infestation to run amok but fortunately it is treatable. Most children are immunized from deadly diseases so the chances are very slim for anything to be truly dangerous.

If I suspect child abuse, what do I need to do?

You should immediately contact the proper authorities. The Department of Human Services has a hotline to report suspected child abuse. If you are employed by a childcare facility and suspect a student of being abused, immediately notify your supervisor and then call the authorities. If you suspect that no one is taking action, call DHS and ask to speak to a case worker. Continue through the chain of command until action has been taken to investigate the issue. If you feel that the local office is not doing an adequate job, contact your local law enforcement authority. If you are the parent of a child and you suspect the childcare center of abuse, do not hesitate to withdraw your child. A child's safety is far more important than offending a daycare teacher or owner.





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Today's Tip On Child Care

Careers in the field of childcare and education can be extremely rewarding. Imagine having a three year old in your class and years later seeing that child graduate from high school. Your part in the fundamentals of their education is invaluable. Becoming a child care provider is about more than just keeping a child safe and letting them watch television during the day. It is about providing a caring environment and a firm foundation of basic skills to begin their education.


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