Stony Creek Preschool and child care center

Choosing a Quality
Child Care Center


How to Begin Your Search for Child Care Services

  • Ask - Neighbors and friends or coworkers
  • Look - in the yellow pages under Child Care, Day Care, Preschools and Kindergartens.
  • Call - Referral service: Either through your employer or an independent reporting agency, such as Child Care Network (734)-975-1840
  • Check - With your local Public School - Many offer programs for young children.
  • Start to Look for Care Early - Give yourself plenty of time to make the best choice!
  • Find a convenient location for your family - It should be readily accessible within a reasonable driving distance.
  • Compare Cost
    • Do the fees seem appropriate for the level of care?
    • Are there hidden fees?
    • How much can you afford to pay?
    • Length of obligation or contract?
  • Check the Hours of Operation - Are they open when you need it?

Financial Assistance

  • Employers may offer tuition reimbursement plans or a plan that can save you money by paying childcare in before tax dollars.
  • Government Agencies such as the Family Independence Agency may be able to assist with a portion of the expense.
  • Charitable or Nonprofit organizations such as religious groups or the Child Care Network 734-975-1840 are often helpful.
  • Tax Deductions help to offset a portion of the cost. Make sure your provider has a Tax I. D. #.

Visit the Centers That You Are Considering

Plan to visit each center for at least an hour. During your visit talk to the ones who will actually be caring for your child. Ask questions and observe.

Carefully consider each item to determine which center is best suited for your family.

  


About the Center

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Creek           2                     3
Is the facility licensed?       
Is the facility Accredited by National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)?       
Is the facility clean?       
Is the equipment safe and well maintained?       
Are the outdoor play areas fenced and secure?       




About the Program

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Creek           2                     3
Does the program follow a consistent routine?
Get a copy of the schedule		       
Are there interesting activities occurring?
Get a copy of a calendar of activities. 		       
Are nutritious snacks provided?        
Do the children have the freedom to choose which activities they do?       




About the Children

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Creek           2                     3
Do the children appear happy?       
Do the children seem to be grouped by their age/development?       
Are the activities right for their age?       
Are there enough items for each child?       
Are the children listened to?       




About the Staff

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Creek           2                     3
Are they warm & inviting?       
Do the staff talk with the children in a positive and caring way?       
Do the staff use positive forms of discipline rather than punishment?       
Do the Teachers seem to be in control of their classroom?       
Are the staff certified in CPR and first aid?       
Are the staff screened with the State Police for no criminal backgrounds?        
Are the staff screened with the Family Independence Agency for
no involvement in child abuse or neglect? 		       




About the Cost

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Creek           2                     3

What are the tuition charges & payment schedule?______    ______    ______

Are you charged more for staying an extended day?______    ______    ______

Are the drop off & pick up times flexible?______    ______    ______

How much time are you allotted for absences?______    ______    ______

Does the center have scheduled or unscheduled closings?______    ______    ______





Get Referrals:

  • Talk with parents on your visit. Ask about their experience with the program.
  • Get a few names and numbers of parents who are currently enrolled. Inquire about their feelings on the center.

Visit Again:

After choosing a child care center, take your child back for another visit. Check it out again! Plan to spend some time there, prior to starting, with your child.

Keep in Touch:

  • After your children have started at the child care facility, monitor their reaction to it.
  • Ask your child what they do during the day. How do they seem to feel about it?
  • Does your child look forward to going there?
  • Are they in a hurry to leave at pick up time?
  • It is important to remember when starting your child at a new center that it's a new experience in their life.
  • Adjusting to the new routine, staff and children takes time and patience.
  • Address any concerns immediately with your child's teacher. You may find them very helpful and willing to make sure that your child gets the care they need.
  • Listen to your child! Take the time to speak with your child regularly, really listen!




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