Good Beginnings

Good Beginnings Last A Lifetime – Make A Smart Child Care Choice

 

Kansas’ law requires that a person must be regulated if they care for more than two children or provide care more than 20 hours a week.  If a person is caring for related children only or the care is in the child’s own home, then regulation is not required.

 

Quality child care is when a provider or facility is following the regulations, going above and beyond the requirements, has a safe, clean positive and healthy environment for the children in care and all staff interact well with the children.

 

Selecting the right caregiver for your child is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent.  The following is a checklist to use when screening, interviewing and selecting good quality child care.   These are suggestions - make sure and add requirements that are important to you and your family.  For clarification on why the following factors are important to your child, don’t hesitate to call ERC at 357-5171 or 1-800-279-2ERC (outside of Shawnee County.)

 

Caregiver/Teacher

 

• How long has the provider been in business?

• What kind of training/continuing education has been achieved during the last year?  How many hours of in-service have been earned?  (National studies indicate a correlation between training and quality child care.)

• Has the caregiver/teacher earned a CDA or accreditation?

• Is there a substitute or assistant?  What are their credentials?

• Does the caregiver seem to like children and “get down” on each child’s level when communicating?

• How will the caregiver tell you what your child is doing every day?

• Are the needs of the children met quickly?

• Does the caregiver appear warm and friendly?

• Are children treated with respect and valued as individuals?

• Does the provider offer a contract and do you agree with it?  Make sure you keep a copy and that it includes the social security or employer ID number of the facility for tax purposes.

• Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?

 

 

The facility

• Is a copy of the license or registration posted?

• Is the group size and staff/child ratio acceptable?

• Is the facility bright and cheerful?

• Are disciplinary methods acceptable?  Spanking is against Kansas child care regulations.

• Are nutritious meals and snacks served?

• Is there a daily schedule that offers a balance of active and quiet activities?

• Are the activities age appropriate?

• Are fees acceptable?

• Is the outdoor play area safe and is there space for children to run and play freely?

• Were references provided by request?  Check references of current and past parent clients before making your final decision.

• Is the program and philosophy of the provider acceptable?

• Are there enough games, puzzles, books, dress-up clothes, books and art materials to allow children to freely select activities that interest them?

 

To register a complaint against a child care facility contact your local Health Department.  If you don’t know the phone number, you can report it to KDHE at 296-1270 or call ERC for your local contact.   Before making a final decision, you can contact KDHE to check on the compliance history of your selection.

 

Think of ERC as your partner as you go through this process.  Our resource specialists are ready to help you learn what child care options are available to you.  We’re only a phone call away at 357-5171 or 1-800-279-2ERC .

 

top of page