ChildCare

Childcare is the supervision and responsibility for a child over a period of time, including feeding, clothing, and other aspects of daily care. Leaving your baby in the care of another person ‑- for a few hours or all day ‑- can be hard. The information on this page will help you to choose the child care that meets your child's needs, your needs and expectations as a working mum. Remember that your child care arrangement is a private agreement between you and your child's caregiver. A listing on this site is not an endorsement of a program or caregiver, nor is it a guarantee of quality. You will want to take whatever time is necessary to make a thoughtful and informed choice. The topics listed will provide you with ideas on what to look for in your search for high quality child care.

Select a Childcare Program: Selecting a childcare program and institution is not an easy task. With so many providers and competition is very difficult to select the best program for your child and that fit your needs and fill your expectations. Either searching in the internet for childcare in your area, making phone calls, and asking friends, you need to keep in mind searching for quality child care that meets your expectations, it's important to identify your needs as well as the interests and needs of your child. Consider your child's age, traveling distance and arrangements between the care location and your home, exact hours and days that you require the care, affordability, escorting children to school and any special language, cultural, dietary or physical requirements. Whatever child care option you choose, be sure to inform the childcare staff or caregiver of any medication, allergies or medical problems your child may have.

 Questions you might want to ask are???:

• How many children will be in my child's group or in the caregiver's home?

• How many children are there per staff member in the centre?

• What training does the centre staff or caregiver have?

•  Is there a waiting list, and if so, how long is it and how long are you likely to have to wait?

• What is the wage and benefit levels, staff qualifications, occupancy costs, length of the service day, and age of the children in Childcare.

• The cost of service will likely be a factor you will consider and need to arrange for.

Remember, along with your evaluation of quality and suitability of a prospective centre or home, there are no regulations governing child care fees so fees are determined by the centre operator, home child care agency or independent caregiver. . influence the cost of care. Calling a few centers, agencies, or caregivers in your area and comparing rates will assist you in evaluating this aspect of your choice. These questions are very important to consider, before making a decision regarding your childcare...!!!

Other things to take in consideration and plan for are:  Childcare-Check List  &  Home Safety Check List tools.

• If your child is sick, you must make alternate arrangements to care for him/her. Having the doctor's phone number handy is a plus.

• Check with the childcare program, home child care agency or independent caregiver about fee policies for vacation time or other days your child may not attend (statutory holidays, sick days, etc).

• Childcare program policies should be included in a procedure manual, parent handouts, brochures or contract. Ask about emergency procedures and carefully read all documents before you sign any agreements.

• Visit the Childcare program of your choice, walk around the place, ask for a full tour of the facility, get introduce to the staff-care givers and ask questions regarding their facility, experience, programs, ask them for recommendations verbally and in writing; also take notes to help you narrow your decision making.