o Know
the Types of Care:
Ohio Law defines
"child day care" as attending to the needs of children
outside of
school hours, by persons other than their parents or guardians, on a
less than twenty four hour
basis. Some types of child care must be regulated in Ohio; other types
of child care may operate without
a license. To learn about the different choices, go to. http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/page2.stm
o Start Early
in Your Child Care Search: Child Care providers say start at least
3 months before you need care to
plan, meet with providers, and interview your final choices. There is
more need than openings and you should not be surprised with possible
waiting lists.
o Know Who To Turn
To: Do you know your resources? Get to know the role of the Child
Care Resource
& Referral Agency in your area. Also familiarize learn the roles,
resources, and responsibilities of the county and state Departments of
Job & Family Services. http://jfs.ohio.gov/families/child_care/index.stm
o Know How to
Recognize Quality Care: Know what questions to ask and what to
look for when interviewing
providers including number of children per adult, caregiver
training/experience, whether the program is accredited. For more
information from a trained child care counselor contact www.occrra.org
or http://www.actionforchildren.org/page5063.cfm
or the County Department
of Job and Family Services.
o Look for
good health & safety practices: Are outlets covered? Do you
see fire extinguisher/smoke
detectors? Are hands washed often? Does everyone have their own
utensils and a separate resting space? Are children well supervised?
o Be Aware of
the Consumer Provisions of House Bill 11: House Bill 11 was enacted
in May of 2005 requiring child care providers to tell parents about a
death or serious injury to children that required a hospital stay of
over 24hrs. Parents have rights under this legislation to view county
and state child care inspection reports. http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/cdc/query.asp
o There
is a Big Difference Between a Child Care Provider and a Babysitter.
Child
care providers have
made a profession of caring for your child. Many have years of
experience and training in the latest standards regarding health,
safety, developmental needs of your child.
o Your
Rights as a Child Care Consumer. You should be aware of the provider’s
policies and your right to accept or not accept them in making your
child care choice. Some policies may include: visitation, absence,
discipline, napping, and meals. View inspection reports often.
o You
Have Responsibilities Too: Caring for your child involves a
partnership between you and your provider, so talk with your provider
about things that affect your child. Providers appreciate that parents
pay on time, pick up as scheduled, keeping sick children at home, and
telling them when your address or phone number changes. It is important
that the provider know the name and phone number of your child’s
doctor.
o Family
Child Care Home Businesses are the Preferred Care Settings: Did you
know that more families choose family child care home businesses over
any other type of child care setting? The child care industry in Ohio
consists of over 57,000 professionals in centers and in homes. As a
professional in this career it is the provider’s job to give children
safe and nurturing care.
o Know
How to Spot Health & Safety Risks: Steps are being taken in Ohio
to find situations that put children at risk. Children are most at risk
when there isn’t enough supervision when they are playing, eating and
sleeping, or in a vehicle. In other words, children need close
supervision at all times. Ohio has designated some “Serious Risk Rules”
that are so important that every parent should know. Parents should
report when rules are not followed. To learn more about Serious Risk
Rules, call 1-866-886-3537 or
go to: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/docs/rules_bullet_format.pdf.
Selecting
child care setting doesn’t have to be so confusing. This tip sheet was
created with you in mind. Our goal is to provide clarity as you make a
decision to select a provider for you child. This is one of the most
important choices you will make as a parent and the Ohio Family
Childcare Workgroup and Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral
Association are here to assist you. A more informed parent can make a
decision in the best interest of their children.