8 Steps To Finding Quality Childcare

Start looking intochildcaree options as soon as possible. Finding the rightchildcaree for you and your child takes time. Manychildcaree providers have waiting lists and if you leave it until the last minute, you may end up with fewer options. Plan ahead, think it through, and make the right choice for you.

Each family has different needs. You have to start by identifying the things that will be important to you and your family such as the specific needs of your child, costs, location, and how many hours you’ll need for childcare during the day. Identifying your family’s unique needs will help you know what to look for.

Childcare comes in many forms. Most types fall under one of two categories:

Licensed childcare – Licensed childcare, whether provided in an early learning and childcare centre or an early learning and childcare home, is regulated, inspected yearly, and monitored by Education and Early Childhood Development. These facilities meet specific standards of care such as the number of children, space per child, nutrition, health and safety.

Unlicensed or unregulated childcare – This kind of care has fewer legal requirements and is not monitored or inspected by Education and Early Childhood Development. It includes nannies, private sitters, friends or relatives and can take place in either the parents’ home or the provider’s home. But there is a limit to the number of children one individual can care for. Remember that not all types of childcare share the same criteria for licensing and regulation. Take the time to become well informed about what each one offers and whether it meets the needs of you and your child.

For detailed licensing regulations in New Brunswick and a list of licensed childcare facilities in your area visit, www.gnb.ca/childcare.

Now that you know your options, visit childcare providers in your area to determine which ones meet your needs. Don’t be shy. Take notes and ask questions. Then, compare how your notes measure up to your needs.

Think about what you saw at each visit, and make the best choice based on your own personalized checklist. Each family’s checklist will be unique and based on the needs they’ve identified. Here are a few more basics that may help you make your choice.  Check out this Quality Child Care Checklist.

Leaving your child in the care of someone else for the first time can be a difficult and emotional experience. Here are some tips for making it a smooth transition for everyone involved:

• If possible, start leaving your child with the childcare provider for short periods of time, at least two weeks before you need full-time care.
• For the first few days, stay with your child and childcare provider for a little while each day to help your child adjust.
• Before leaving, be sure to explain to your child that you’ll be back. Do so confidently, without appearing anxious or sad.
• Never sneak out – it is upsetting to your child to have you disappear without warning.
• Never make fun of your child if he cries when you leave.
• Never force a shy or anxious child to jump into a situation. Let them stay close to you until they feel comfortable joining in.
• During the first couple of weeks of care, drop by unannounced and observe the activity and the environment.

To make sure your child continues to have a positive experience in childcare, make a point of discussing your child’s progress with the childcare provider regularly. If you are able to, visit occasionally or sign up for special events and field trips.

Every relationship has challenges and the one you have with your childcare provider is no exception. The key to overcoming these challenges is to discuss problems and concerns with the provider as soon as possible. If the problems cannot be resolved, it may be a sign that the arrangement is not working out. Trust your instincts.

If you have concerns about abuse or neglect, please call Social Development at 1-888-99-ABUSE (1-888-992-2873) (in province calls only) or After Hours Emergency Services at 1-800-442-9799.  If you have concerns or complaints about your childcare provider, contact Education and Early Childhood Development at your regional office.