Quality Child Care, Not Just Baby Sitting

Placing your child in child care can be both exciting and emotional. You may need to place your child in care because you are working or going to school. You may decide that you want your child to benefit from the early education that can be provided. Whatever the reason, finding high quality child care can seem like a challenging task. There are licensed programs in day care centres and in home care, and there also are unlicensed home care programs. All have their benefits. Where do you start?

First, you must look at the elements that need to be present to create high quality child care.

The child care program should support all areas of your child’s development: Social/emotional, intellectual, creative, and physical development.
The child care provider should have up to date knowledge in all areas of child development. He/she should be loving and affectionate and able to provide a stable environment with consistency in routines. The provider should be able to plan a stimulating program that will meet each individual child’s interests, abilities and needs. He/she should have up to date first-aid and CPR certification.
The child care environment should be safe and clean. It should have areas for both quiet and active play and indoor and outdoor play. The location should have lots of learning resources.
Nutritional meals and snacks should be served daily.
There should be a small number of children with each adult.
Second, you need to look at the most cost effective solution for your family. Child care fees can vary. Is there fee assistance available? When are fees due? Do you pay if your child is absent? Is there a deposit required? How much notice is required for withdrawal from care? Is a tax receipt provided so that you can take advantage of the available child care income tax deduction?

Third, your choice needs to fit both your child’s needs and your family’s needs. What are the child care’s hours of operation? What happens if your child is ill? What is the vacation policy? Is the child care conveniently located for you? Can you drop in any time?

Finally, how is ‘the fit’? Do you feel comfortable with the setting and the provider(s)? Does your child? Are there methods in place for adequate two way communication?

Child care is a three way relationship between the child(ren), the family and the child care centre or home day care provider.

With some research, leg work and lots of questions, it can be a wonderful and valuable experience for everyone involved!


You can access a Parent Information Package ( free of charge) on How To Choose Quality Child Care, which includes a telephone interview checklist as well as a home visit checklist by contacting your Ontario Early Years Centre nearest you, in Barrie their phone number is 792-7878, if outside of Barrie click on our LINKS page to access the main site for OEYC locations throughout Ontario.

I am not a licencing agency, but a support group for homebased childcare providers, so parents are required to do their own screening of any care providers listed on this website.