Home > Keeping Kids Healthy > Show Topics > Finding the Right Ch...

Finding the Right Childcare

FINDING THE RIGHT CHILDCARE
Does your babysitter know CPR?  Does the day care you use have staff trained in child development?  Whether they're toddlers or teens, there are many great solutions to the problem of finding the perfect childcare - ranging from babysitters in your home to a traditional day care facility.  But choose poorly and it could lead to disaster.  Join host Dr. Winnie King as we hear the story of a parent's worst fears come true and then learn how to protect your children by asking the right questions and investigating day care options before you turn over your most precious treasures, your children.

Guests:

Patricia Keener, MD
Indiana University School of Medicine: Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Assoc. Chairman of the Dept. of Pediatrics, Asst. Dean for Medical Service-Learning; Prof of Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN; Founder & Medical Director, Safe Sitter, Inc.; Former Medical Dir. of the Indianapolis Campaign for Healthy Babies; Author, Caring for Kids, a 240-page parenting reference distributed to all Indiana families.

Eleanor Simons - 2 yrs old, trying to adjust to a new babysitter
Justine Simons - Eleanor's mother

Linda Smith - Executive Director, Nation's Network of Childcare Resource and Referral

Julie & Terry Buffaloe - parents of three children (ages 10, 4 and 1)  who are searching for the right childcare


Tips and Hints:

HIRING A BABY SITTER

Check References

  • Start really early
  • Ask people you know
  • Call all references

Suggested Interview Questions

  • "What if" questions:
    • What if she cries when I leave
    • What if he gets a nosebleed
  • Do you drive?
  • How flexible are your hours?

Prepare for an Emergency

  • Childproof your home
  • Train your sitter in CPR
  • Leave important numbers by the phone
    • Here are some important numbers:
    • 911 (Medical emergencies)
    • 1-800-222-1222 (US Poison Control Centers)
  • ALL your contact numbers
  • Backup contact person
  • Pediatrician

Give Instructions About

  • Discipline & Routine
  • Meals and Snacks
  • TV


CHOOSING A DAY CARE CENTER

Check Credentials

  • Who runs the center
  • Staff training

Ask These Questions

  • What are your hours
  • Ratio of kids to staff
  • What is daily routine & curriculum

Safety Check

  • Childproofing
  • First aid supplies
  • Formalized emergency plans

Things to Look For

  • Cleanliness
  • Happy kids
  • Engaged teachers

Stay Involved

  • Visit unannounced
  • Communicate with staff

CHOOSING A FAMILY DAY CARE

Check Credentials

  • Staff credentials
  • State licensed

Ask the Questions

  • Are your own kids here
  • What are your hours
  • What is daily routine & curriculum

Safety Check

  • Childproofing
  • First Aid supplies
  • What are emergency plans
  • Who else has access to my kids

Be Business-Like

  • Talk about rates & overtime
  • Set up payment plan

Stay Involved

  • Visit unannounced
  • Communicate with staff

Resources

Safe Sitter, Inc
http://www.safesitter.org/
317-543-3840

The Nation's Network of Child Care Resource & Referral
http://www.naccrra.org/
202-393-5501

The National Association for Family Child Care
http://www.nafcc.org/
801-269-9338