Because the early years are such an important time in the development of children, choosing an excellent child care facility or a quality preschool is one of the most important decisions a parent will make.

Guidelines
Here are some guidelines to help you choose a nurturing and stimulating program for your child.

• Is the facility appropriately licensed?
• Is the staff warm, responsive, and attentive to the children? Schedule a visit to observe how the staff and children interact. Do the children seem comfortable and happy with the caregivers?
• Is the staff trained in first aid, CPR, and early childhood development? Ask about their staff training, and plans for on-going staff development.
• Is the environment clean, comfortable, and safe? Look over all areas that are used for child care, including the area where food is prepared.
• Is there a wealth of toys, materials and books for appropriate sensory, social, emotional, and cognitive development? Look for quiet play areas; places for running and moving; toys for imaginative play; books that are utilized throughout the day; safe, warm floor space for infants to explore (not just highchairs and cribs); TV should not be used with children under 2 years and only briefly for older children.
• What is the adult-to-child ratio?
  • 1 adult for every 4 infants;
  • 1 adult for every 5 children age 1 year;
  • 1 adult for every 6 children age 2 years;
  • 1 adult for every 9 or 10 preschoolers
• Are the routines flexible enough to meet your child's individual needs? Ask yourself if your child will fit into the group of other children attending this facility?
• How do caregivers deal with discipline, aggression, toilet training and other early childhood issues? Ask about these specific issues. Look for caregivers who understand what to expect at each stage of development and have kind, supportive methods of helping young children learn. A caregiver should never shake, hit, or belittle a child.
• How will the caregivers communicate with you about your child's progress? Ask if there will be time for daily conversations or notes.
• Ask yourself, "Will my child be comfortable, safe and stimulated here?" "Will she be treated as an individual and encouraged to develop new skills?" "If I were my child, would I want to spend my days here?"
  
  

For more information contact the Calhoun Intermediate School District's NYC program at (269) 660-1606 or Child Care Resources, Kalamazoo Regional 4C

Child Care Resources, Kalamazoo Regional 4C
Ella Ryder, Director
3304 Mindi Lane
Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Phone: (269) 349-3296 or (800) 343-3470
Fax: (269) 349-6822
Email: ccr@workfamilysolutions.com

Serving:

Barry
Berrien
Branch
Calhoun
Cass
Kalamazoo
St. Joseph
Van Buren