Survival Guide — What to look for in a daycare provider

Home day care, daycare centres, co-ops, play groups — the opportunities for childcare can be overwhelming. But there are some things parents can look for to ensure they’re getting what’s right for their family.

Home day care, daycare centres, co-ops, play groups — the opportunities for childcare can be overwhelming. But there are some things parents can look for to ensure they’re getting what’s right for their family. Tips and advice on childcare, as well as a list of registered centres, can be found in the Region of Durham’s Child Care Services Guide available on its website, region.durham.on.ca/childrensservices.
“A licensed centre is group care so there will be more children and more workers,” said Patti Knight, manager of the Region’s children services.
A home daycare can be licensed through an agency.
If a parent goes through a provider that isn’t licensed and inspected, it’s important to ask lots of questions, Ms. Knight said.
“An unlicensed home provider... can be excellent,” she said. “It doesn’t mean it’s any worse — it could be better.”
Someone may be an early childhood educator who is staying home with their children and providing care in a structured manner, she said.
Ask questions about behaviour management policies, television watched, where fire extinguishers are, food provided, and schedules, routines, activities and toys available, Ms. Knight said.
There are so many things out there, it’s important for parents to really look at different places, said Denise Gilbert, exec tive director for Schoolhouse Playcare centres.
“Parents have to go and visit, they have to see and listen and observe,” she added. “Don’t just call.”
A daycare’s license should be clearly posted on the wall, she said. Parents should also be looking at exit and procedure plans, curriculum, and environment.
And ask lots of questions – staff should know critical information such as evacuation and safety plans, she added.
Some parents don’t want their infants in a daycare centre because they feel it’s too institutionalized, Ms. Gilbert said. Those looking for an infant space in a daycare centre should start calling early.
Ms. Gilbert recommended looking at different childcare options, but at something that’s licensed because of the requirements attached.
Through Wee Watch, home day care providers are required to go through safety checklists, medical and emotional screening, infant CPR training, Children’s Aid Service’s and criminal background checks for anyone in the house age 18 or older, said Kathy Powell, Wee Watch Whitby/Oshawa owner and operator.
When parents interview providers, they want to ensure their personalities mesh, Ms. Powell said. They should also ask about the person’s background, education, and training.
“I know the simple question is why are you providing day care,” Ms. Powell said. You want to ensure it’s more than just a job to them.
Also inquire about the daily schedule – are children going to be the car or in the company of other people.
“We’ve had some people say I don’t want my child around a teenage boy,” Ms. Powell said.
The maximum amount of children allowed in a home daycare is five, with no more than two under age two, three under three, and five under six, she said.
“And that includes a provider’s own child,” Ms. Powell said.
Staff to children ratios in childcare centres are: one to three kids under age 18 months, one to five from 18 to 30 months, one to eight for 31 months to five years, one to 12 for ages five to six, and one to 15 for age six to 12 years. Group sizes are also regulated.
But day care might not be right for everyone. Coops, play groups and early education programs may be other routes to consider.
“Most play groups start because a group of people want to do them,” she said.
Through the YMCA Early Learning Centres, parents go with the kids, but it’s a more structured program. Links are available on Region’s website.
Co-ops would see parents provide duty time in a program by doing toy washing, or other chores, Ms. Knight said.