During April, the Week of the Young Child promotes the importance of early care. In the United States the majority of mothers with children under age 18 work. Working families need care that meets the needs of their young children. Studies show that quality child care fosters social and emotional development in children and contributes to later school success.
Supportive employer policies enable parents to have the peace of mind needed to focus on work throughout the day. Many employers offer a variety of benefits to assist working parents, such as access to a Child Care Resource and Referral Service, flexible work arrangements, paid time off, and lactation rooms for moms returning to work after childbirth.
The Census Bureau reports that approximately 50% of working families rely on child care providers to help them care for their children while they work; 25% rely on relatives for child care; and nearly 25% arrange work schedules so that no child care is needed.
Finding Quality Child Care – Parents should contact their employer to find out if they have an employer-sponsored Child Care Resource and Referral Service that can help educate them on care options and provide profiles for licensed providers in their area. Other resources include:
- National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (www.naccrra.org)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org)
- National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (www.naccp.org)
- National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) (www.nafcc.org)
These groups save parents a lot of time in identifying providers with openings that meet criteria such as care philosophy, training, location, schedule, and cost.
Interviewing Child Care Providers – The next step is for parents to visit the child care programs they are considering. Parents should conduct a detailed interview. Sample questions include:
- Is the program licensed and regulated? Every provider (except those operated by churches, in some states) must have a license, which must be prominently displayed.
- What are the caregiver’s training and qualifications? What educational experience does the caregiver have? Caregivers with degrees and/or special training may be better equipped to help your child learn. Many states require continuing education classes.
- What is the adult to child ratio? Child development experts recommend one adult for every three to four infants (6 wks – 24 months old). States have specific ratio requirements by age.
- What is the environment like? Is the environment clean and is there enough space? Are there enough age-appropriate toys and learning materials for the number of children?
- What is the appearance of the children? Are the children clean? Do they seem happy, active, seemingly healthy and friendly? What is the sick policy?
- How are caregivers interacting with the children? Are children supervised at all times, even during naptime? Are children allowed to choose among activities? Are the caregivers talking and laughing with the children? Are children comforted when needed?
- Is there an open-door policy? Are parents free to visit, unannounced, at any time? Walk away from any program with visitation restrictions.
It is important for parents to know that their child is in a safe, loving and stimulating environment while they are at work. Take your time and choose child care with care.
Sources: LifeWork Strategies, Inc., National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, Child Care Aware, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospitals. The Health Tip of the Week is for educational purposes only. Please feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.
