For more information on how to start your FREE online search for child care providers in Delaware County click here.

Families have a variety of child care options to choose from when considering the right program for their children.  To help you find the “right fit” for your child and family, we have listed below items to consider and specifics to look for when visiting a child care program. 
 

Child Indicators:
-Children in the program should look happy
-Children should be engaged in activities
-Care provider should competently meet the needs of a upset child when the program is busy
-Provider should “correct” a child’s behavior in a way that is appropriate for the child’s age and ability.

Program Specifics:
-Families should be provided with a schedule of activities
-If food is served, does the program participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
-Is the program authorized to give medication other than over-the-counter topical preparations? **for more information about medication administration, see note below 
-Each child and family should be greeted by the caregiver at the beginning and end of each day
-The program should have a variety of activities for the children
-There should be a variety of toys for children of all ages
-There should be a napping policy and sufficient space for each child to rest
-Families should feel welcomed to visit during program hours 

*All caregivers may apply over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen lotion and topical insect repellant with written permission from the parent or guardian.  Caregivers who administer actual medications must be trained in Medication Administration Training (MAT) and must be in compliance with the Health & Infection Control regulations.  The type of medication a  program may administer is stated on the program’s license or registration.  A program’s license or registrations must be posted or readily available to parents.

Discipline Indicators:
-Discipline policy should be fair, effective and consistent with your own
-There should be an agreement on child guidance

Health and Safety Indicators:
-The program should be childproofed
-Dangerous materials must be stored out of reach of the children
-Electrical outlets should be covered
-Children and caregivers should wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after toileting
-Diapers should be changed at appropriate intervals
-There should be a plan in place for emergencies such as fire, flood or injuries
-The space and toys should be cleaned and disinfected regularly
-A working phone should be available

Child: Staff Ratio and Group Size
-A child care program must limit the number of children each adult cares for based on standards set in the regulations.  These standards help to ensure that children are properly supervised and get all the attention they need.  Your child will get more attention if the caregiver has fewer children to care for and the group size is small.  The younger the children are, the more caregivers there should be.
-Ask to see the programs license or registration.  The license or registration, issued by the Office of Children and Family Services, states how many children the provider can care for at one time.
-A Family Day Care Provider may care for 6 children plus 2 school age children.  There must be one caregiver present for every two children under the age of two.
-A Group Family Day Care Provider and assistant may care for up to 12 children plus four school age children.  There must be at least one caregiver present for every two children under the age of two.
-For Minimum Staff/Child Ratios Based on Group Size for a Child Day Care Center, click here
-For Minimum Staff/Child Ratios Based on Group Size for School Age Child Care click here.

Fees:
-Ask about the program fees.  Does the program offer a sliding fee scale or multi-child discount?
-Is there a fee when the child is not present or when the program is closed?
-If needed, ask if child care subsidy payments are accepted

Experience/References:
-The caregiver should provide references when asked
-Low staff turnover in a child care program.  Do caregivers come and go? Leaving your child with the same caregiver everyday makes it easier for your child to focus on learning new things.
-Does the program have accreditation? Accredited programs have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements.
-Do the program staff have a Child Development Associate (CDA)?

Additional Indicators of Quality Child Care:
-Family Involvement – As a parent, you are key to quality care.  You have the right to drop in at any time during business hours to observe the program or to see your child.  Following are a few ways to stay involved in your child’s program: Communicate daily with your caregiver—ask how your child is doing and how he/she spends their day (Check out this issue of The Daily Parent: Parent-Caregiver Communication), volunteer or participate in program activities, or visit your child at the program and read a book aloud
-Balance of active, quiet, indoor and outdoor play based on the abilities and interests of the children
-Educational background and training of caregivers—Caregivers with training in early childhood may be better able to help children learn. 
-Ask your caregiver about what trainings they have taken or plan to take.

If you would like a brochure of things to look for and questions to ask when considering a child care program, click here.  The brochure is also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic.

You can also contact a daycare specialist with any questions or concerns you may have about evaluating a child care program.  You can reach a daycare specialist Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm at:
Delaware Opportunities Inc.
Child Care Resource & Referral
35430 State Highway 10
Hamden, NY 13782
607-746-1620
Toll free at 1-877-746-2279
Fax: 607-746-1648
Email: daycare@delawareopportunities.org