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Choosing quality child care for your family is a very important decision, and as a parent looking for child care, locating high-quality child care might be easier said than done. The key is knowing what to look for, as you want to find a safe, healthy environment that supports the social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional development of your child. These pages will offer you information that will help you become more informed, so that you are able to make the right child care choice for both you and your child.
A degree of excellence, as defined by Webster’s dictionary.
Caregiver looks after a maximum of 2 other children not related to them, and parents are responsible for monitoring and supervising the quality of care provided.
Centres must comply with regulations regarding staff qualifications, staff to child ratios, criminal record checks, nutrition, smoking, discipline, first aid requirements and emergency procedures. They must also provide activities, appropriate space and environment for the children.
To find quality child care, make a list of child care facilities within your geographical area. That may mean a place close to your home, close to your work or school, or on the way between home and work. Contact the YMCA Child Care Resource & Referral and/or Child Care Licensing Office. You may want to ask friends, neighbours, co-workers or family about child care arrangements they have made. You can also contact our Supported Child Development Program for assistance with finding child care. You may also want to check out the classified ads in the newspaper or the yellow pages in the telephone book.
Begin by phoning the child care setting. Find out if this is a good time to talk and if not, find out when is a good time and phone back then.
Think about what you can afford to pay (subsidy is available for low income families, but it may not cover the entire cost, 1-888-338-6622). What days of the week and what hours will you need child care? Do you require a flexible caregiver because of shift work?
After you have made a few calls and you have found one or more centres that sound like they may meet your needs, it is time to make a visit. If you want someone to be available to talk to you, it is best to set up an appointment where you can observe the program and talk about you and your child.
There are three things in the setting you will want to observe. They are the physical environment, the people who work there, and the activities offered.
Make sure you get a chance to see all parts of the facility that will be used by the children. This includes kitchen and eating areas, washrooms, sleep areas, indoor and outdoor play areas.
The relationship between children and their caregiver is the most important factor in child care. Early relationships can affect the way a child’s brain works and grows.
These activities should promote your child’s healthy development and school readiness.
Review your information but trust your own initial feelings about the setting. Contact the centre and confirm a start date. Most centres will have documentation for you to fill out and sign. The centre should keep accurate and up to date records on your child. Continue to monitor the setting, visit regularly and make a point of taking time to talk to the caregiver on a regular basis.
R.E.S.T. Workshop
We received physiotherapy for our daughter who was being considered for a helmet for plagiocephaly. From our first appointment to our last, we received wonderful care. The staff at CTFRC were always very friendly, welcoming, and had a great spirit. The Physiotherapist was very kind, gentle and provided us with so much knowledge!
The outlet to have a professional available for help and advice and direction was key in our success, along with the tips, tools and education I received. They are so great at checking in and making sure I know there are supports, if necessary.
Having someone to talk me through the stages and calm my nerves about [my child's] development is what helped me the most. the sessions were always super informative and gave great advice on what to work on with [my child]. Just having the peace of mind that we were on the right track. I appreciate the service so much and I would recommend to any concerned parent!