What to Look for in a Provider

There are many factors involved in choosing the right child care situation -- and a lot of it is subjective. After all, one family's dream situation is another family's biggest challenge.

Some factors, though, are objective; they're the characteristics that mark a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for your child.

It is very important for parents to visit potential child care programs before making a decision about child care. Programs vary widely in quality, environment, and how they handle children’s developmental needs. You should see the program for yourself, and meet the person(s) who will be caring for your child before you choose care.

While visiting the program, find out about these key indicators of quality:

•  Adult to Child Ratio – Child care programs must comply with South Carolina DSS’s licensing ratios.

               Adult/Child Ratios for ALL Licensed Child Care Centers

•  Group Size – South Carolina child care licensing does not require group size.  However, you should look for programs with smaller group sizes with adequate staffing.
•  Caregiver/Teacher Qualifications – Look for caregivers/teachers that have a masters, bachelors, or associate degree in education or have received their Child Development Associates (CDA) as well as past experience working with young children.
•  Turnover – Look for programs with low staff turnover.  Consistency in a child care program is an important factor in quality.
•  Accreditation – Programs that have met accreditation status have exceeding state licensing standards.  Child Care Centers/Preschools can be accredited through the National Association of Education of the Young Child (NAEYC) www.naeyc.org .  Family Child Care Providers can be accredited through the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC)  www.nafcc.org .
•  Health and Safety -   Basic health and safety practices are a SC regulatory requirement.  You should look for a program that is clean and bright, that teachers and children follow hand washing guidelines, the diaper area is clean and sanitized, first aid kits are available, the playground has safe, sturdy equipment, toys are cleaned and sanitized, etc…

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Before You Visit: Interview By Phone

During the telephone interview, try to gather basic information about a program. Ask if it is a good time for the director, teacher, or provider to talk. If you feel comfortable with the responses and the basics of the program, set up an appointment to visit. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Are there vacancies for when you need care to begin?
• What is the total number of children attending the program?
• What is the general philosophy of the program?
• How is discipline handled? How are conflicts between children handled?
• What snacks or meals are provided, if any, and what kinds of foods are offered? If parents provide snacks or meals, what are the guidelines?
• How long has the program been in business?
• What are the fees? What do the fees include, and when is payment due?
• What are the hours of operation?
• Are there scholarships (subsidies or voucher programs) available?
• What kind of training do the providers have in first aid and CPR?

Center-specific questions:

• Does the center keep a waiting list? Is there a fee to get on it?
• How are the children divided into age groups? Which group would your child be in?
• What is the teacher-to-child ratio for your child’s age group?
• Do children need to be toilet trained before entering the program (if applicable)?

Family Child Care Home-specific questions:

• What is the adult-to-child ratio? Who are the other people who might provide care to your child (e.g., aides)?
• What are the ages of the children currently in care in this program?
• Does the provider have children of her own as part of the group, either during the day or after school?
• What kind of training has the provider received in child development and/or early childhood education? Is she receiving ongoing training?
• What happens if the caregiver gets sick? Does she have alternate providers who can care for your child, or is it your responsibility to find back-up care?
• Are there pets in the home? What kind and how many? Are the children in contact with the animals?
• Does anyone in the home smoke?
• Are any firearms kept in the home? If so, how are they stored?
• Are there teens or other adults who will be present when your child is in the home? Who are they and when will they be present?
• What is the vacation and holiday policy?
• Is transportation provided?

School Age Program-specific questions:

• What are the hours of operation?
• Is transportation provided?
• Does the program keep a waiting list?
• What is the adult-to-child ratio?
• How many children are enrolled in the program?
• How are the children divided into groups? What group would your child be in?
• What types of activities are offered?
• How is discipline handled?

Summer Camp-specific questions:

• How long has the camp been in business?
• What are the hours of operation?
• Is it a boys, girls, or coed camp?
• What is the total number of campers attending during the summer?
• What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
• What type of training do counselors receive?
• What are the ages of the campers?
• What sessions are offered during the summer?
• Is transportation provided?
• Do they children travel on field trips? How are they transported?

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Child Care Checklist

• Be licensed or registered by the state.
• Let you visit whenever you want.
• Care for children in small groups.
• Use positive discipline methods (time-out, redirection, no spanking)
• Serve nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.
• Hold babies while bottle feeding.
• Let one- and two-year-olds crawl and walk on carpet throughout the day, watching them carefully.
• Let two- to five-year-olds play dress-up or “pretend” and give them things like old clothes, empty cereal boxes and books to play with.
• Plan activities that use blocks, measuring cups, dolls, trucks, art materials, and other creative toys.
• Encourage children to play together and share.
• Allow children to play alone some of the time.

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