Childcare 101: Finding great Dallas childcare

June 2, 2:36 PMDallas Child Care ExaminerMichelle Barbee

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Finding great home childcare can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if you do a little research. Here are some tips and advice to help you create your own checklist of questions to ask potential providers.

The first thing you should do is search the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website. You can search by city or zip code and specify the type of childcare you’re looking for. If a friend gives a recommendation, search for that person by name. A person who is providing childcare and is not listed, registered or licensed with the state is operating illegally and you could be fined for placing your child in his or her care. An unlisted provider may be less than trustworthy since he or she is skipping the training, background checks and inspections required by law.

You will want to interview providers in their homes to see the daycares. A cautious provider will probably not meet you during daycare hours for security reasons. At the beginning of the interview, get to know a little about the person. Find out why the provider went into the childcare field and what she/he feels is the most rewarding and or challenging part of the job. Find out how long the provider has been in the daycare business and if she/he has any special training, certifications, degrees or other credentials. Ask to see proof of CPR and First Aid training, which is required by law for providers.

Next, ask about the daycare such as the days, hours, adult/child ratio and rates. Ask if the rates include food and if the daycare is part of the USDA Food Program or at least follows its guidelines. Find out which holidays are observed and how much vacation the provider will take. Ask if the provider will transport children and if so check for proper insurance, state inspection and safety training. Check what ages the provider cares for and if she/he cares for related children or has other family members who will be home during daycare hours.

Ask if there are pets in the home. Pets should be current on vaccinations and kept away from children. Find out about the daily schedule and where the children will play, eat and nap. The provider should have an illness policy and late pick-up policy. Check for a trial period and see how much notice must be given before leaving care. Also, ask about which discipline methods are used. Providers are not allowed to spank, even with parent permission.

By law, you will need to sign a contract before your child begins daycare. A signed contract will spell out exactly what is expected from you and from the daycare provider. Double check your contract before you sign and make sure everything is spelled out clearly. If something isn’t in the contract, have it added. The contract is your guarantee and your verification in case something goes wrong.

Lastly, bring your child along to see how he/she responds to the caregiver. If your child doesn’t respond well to the caregiver, keep looking. Remember to always trust your gut when interviewing, because if something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. When parents ignore their gut feelings, they often have to withdraw their children from unsatisfactory care. It may seem like going on a series of blind dates, but eventually, you will find your perfect childcare match.

For more info:
Professionals In Caring for Kids of North Texas
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services