With the commencement of the new school year just around the corner, BBB advises parents to take plenty of time to find safe, reliable child care that suits their children and schedules. It’s important for working parents to be confident that their children are safe and secure so they can give their full attention to their jobs. The time it takes to find good day care can be consuming, but the BBB has tips that can make the job a little easier. 

 

First, parents should determine what kind of care they need: Full or part-time, in-home or facility-based. Consider the location in relation to your home and work, the hours, cost and educational opportunities for the children. 

 

“Parents need to take time to visit facilities, ask about the staff’s training and experience, and find out how the center handles medical emergencies”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “Children may be spending a large part of their waking hours in a day care setting, so it’s important to find out what kinds of education or stimulation may be offered to help your child develop.” 

 

BBB provides the following tips for parents seeking quality child care:

1. Visit several facilities or caregivers, and find out how staff are selected and what their credentials are. What is the staff-to-child ratio? How are children grouped, such as by age or stage of development?
2. Ask whether the facility is licensed by the state or local community and whether it carries appropriate liability insurance.
3. Ask about safety procedures and how an accident might be handled. What will happen if your child is hurt or becomes ill while at the center? Will you be called or notified before you arrive to pick up your child?
4. Ask about fees and payment deadlines. Is a deposit required, and is it refundable? Are fees charged if a parent is late picking up a child? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation offered? Is financial assistance available?
5. Ask about the balance between structured and unstructured activities. What happens during naptime? How are babies put down for naps, and how often are they checked when sleeping? What if your child can’t go to sleep?
6. Make sure the center or day care home is clean, with enough space for children to play and adequate safety equipment.
7. Call at least three parents whose children are enrolled in the program to discuss their experiences.
8. Ask if your child can spend part of the day in the day care center or home before you enroll. Discuss the experience with the caregiver or center personnel.
9. Be alert to your child’s reaction and behavior. Allow plenty of time for adjustment, especially in the first day or first week at the center. Call or visit the facility once your child is enrolled to find out how the child is doing and to establish rapport with the staff.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to www.bbb.org. To report a fraud or scam, call the BBB Hotline: (903)581-8373.