Develop a Search Strategy

Having decided which options are of most interest and obtained program or provider listings, you might begin by networking with friends, relatives, neighbors, and professionals, including the Center, for suggestions about who to contact. While these suggestions may put you in touch with strong candidates and help you begin your search, it is important to keep in mind that even good friends may make recommendations that do not turn out to be good matches for you. Consider recommendations, but move ahead to conduct a thorough search.

The next step is to visit as many programs as you can. By visiting different programs and providers, and asking lots of questions, you can get a “feel” for the unique style -- values, opportunities, and challenges -- of each setting. While your first visit is likely to feel confusing, after visiting several settings your observations will gradually help define what you are looking for by what feels best to you. Visits should be scheduled for times when children are present and active. It is probably useful to make your initial visit to a program without your child, so that you are freer to make observations and to conduct interviews. In setting up your visit to a child care center, arrange to meet with the director to get information about program philosophy, parent involvement, and staff qualifications, as well as a feel for the person in charge of hiring, supervision, and parent relations. Make sure to visit the classroom in which your child would be placed, as well as to walk through each of the other classrooms. Visits to centers and family child care homes should include physical inspection of all indoor and outdoor facilities. Follow-up questions can be handled over the phone or during your second visit, with your child. Expand your search and keep visiting until you have found a good match.

Initial Screening Questions for Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes

Questions for your first call to the center or family child care provider: 1. Do you have a place for a (give your child's age)? Is there a waiting list; how long? 2. What do you charge? (Ask about sliding fee scales, scholarships, subsidies, etc.) 3. What are your hours? Do you offer part-day or part-week schedules? 4. When are your holiday or vacation closings? 5. How many children are you licensed for? 6. How long has this program been in operation? 7. When can I visit? ...also for family child care providers: 8. How many children are you caring for now and how old are they? 9. How long have the children who are now in your care been with you? 10. Do you have an assistant working with you? ...also for child care centers: 8. How are children grouped, and how many children are in each age group? 9. How many teachers and additional staff are assigned to each age group? 10. Who are the administrative staff, and what are their responsibilities?