Finding child care can be a very difficult task and yet is one of the most important that you will make during your child’s early years.

Finding the right child care provider can be difficult.  Keys to success are:

• Start early
• Check out potential child care providers
• Conduct a phone interview
• Check references
• Interview them in person at the child care so you can see the environment, interactions between the child care provider and children, etc.
• Have a predetermined list of questions or a checklist such as, “Is This the Right Place for My Child?”  to quide your interview and focus your eyes on the type of care that is provided.
• Don’t ignore your gut instinct.  If you don’t fee right about it or are unsure, it is probably not a good fit for your child or you.

Resources:

Checklist for Evaluating Child Care

Local QRS Rated Early Childhood Programs

Iowa Quality Rating System. - State of Iowa list of child care homes and centers that have been rated for health, safety and quality of care through the Quality Rating System (QRS).

“Is This the Right Place for My Child?”  - A guide to interviewing potential child care providers.

For more information on choosing a child care provider or assistance with locating a provider that meets your family’s needs contact: Child Care Resource and Referral at 800-245-6151 and ask to speak with a Parent Referral Specialist (Dawn, ext. 135; Paula, ext. 101; Emily, ext. 105).