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Choosing Quality Child Care
Finding suitable child care, whether informal or licensed, takes time and thoughtful consideration. Before deciding on a caregiver that is right for you and your child, consider:
- The type of environment.
- The types of activities.
- The kind of people.
- The quality of nutrition.
- The behavioural guidance.
Regardless of your child's age, and the type of setting you decide on, you will wish to look for a caregiver who:
- Offers a stimulating, child-proofed environment.
- Provides a warm and loving atmosphere.
- Provides nutritious meals and snacks.
- Participates in child's indoor and outdoor play.
- Understands basic first aid practices.
- Understands child development.
- Uses positive discipline approaches.
After careful consideration, you are ready to contact potential caregivers. Do your initial screening by phone and decide which homes or centres you want to visit before you decide on one. Be clear about what you and your child need. Be honest with yourself and the caregiver. Ask questions that reflect the caregiver's expectations and methods of care.
The following checklist might be helpful in choosing a caregiver:
- Do you like the caregiver's personality, i.e. sense of humour, friendly, calm, etc.?
- Do you think your child will enjoy being with the caregiver?
- Does the caregiver seem well organized and confident about the job?
- Are the rules and routines age appropriate?
- Do you both agree on basic child rearing issues, discipline, toilet training etc?
- Are children adequately supervised?
- Is safety a priority?
Check all references. The caregiver's references should support your feelings. Remember you are dealing with a person and an individual. The caregiver may not meet all of your requirements. Choose someone you feel will like your child, and whom you can trust to provide a safe, loving environment.
Reprinted from the Safe Communities Handbook, written by the Leeds and Grenville Child Care Resources.
Choosing Quality Child Care
Finding a responsible, qualified babysitter can be stressful. Many parents rely on friends or relatives, but there may be times when you need a new babysitter. Invite someone who has been recommended to your home to meet the children before making a commitment. If you and the children like the babysitter and you think she or he is responsible enough to cope with everyday and unexpected events, ask them to come for a trial run. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that the babysitter will act responsibly and safeguard the well-being of your children. Although age is by no means the only factor you should consider, it is advised that all parents choose someone who is at least twelve years old and who has attended a babysitting and/or First Aid course.
You should agree on the rate and hours with the babysitter before babysitting. Discuss your expectations of the babysitter how you would like your home treated, and discuss the children's routines. Leave a number where you can be contacted, the number of two relatives or friends, and the address and phone number of a neighbour. Prepare young children for bed before the babysitter arrives, and be realistic about the time you intend to get home. Call if you are going to be late. Insure that arrangements have been made beforehand as to how the babysitter is going to get home. Do not let a young babysitter walk home alone late at night.
Information to Provide Babysitters
- the phone number you can becontacted at
- the telephone numbers of the doctor, the police station and the local hospital
- telephone numbers or addresses or two relatives or friends who will be at home while you are out, and the address and phone number of a neighbour you trust
- clear written directions on how to get to your home, in case they are needed for the emergency services
- the best route to take out of the home in an emergency
- where to find a fire blanket or fire extinguisher
- where the family first aid kit is kept
- whether there is a baby monitor and how to use it
- where the circuit breaker and water shutoff are and how to operate them
- where to find a flashligh
- the toys you would like your children to play with
- the games you would like the children to play, and those to avoid before bedtime
- television programs or videos that your children are allowed to watch
- whether older children are allowed to use the telephone
- the bedtime routine for each child
- what time lights are turned out, and if there is a night light
- what bedroom doors are left open or closed
- what to do if children wake up during the evening
- where extra blankets and clothing are kept
- if the children sleepwalk, sleeptalk or suffer from nightmares and if so, what to do
- whether the children have been ill recently
- if they have any allergies or medical conditions
- any characteristic behaviour that might need to be explained
- what to do if the children misbehave and how to deal with misbehaviour
- where dishes are and what the children are allowed to have to eat and drink
- how to burp the baby after a bottle
When you are babysitting, you have responsibilities to the parents and to the kids you are looking after. The parents also have responsibilities to you. With guidance and training, babysitting can be fun, safe and rewarding for parents, children and babysitters.
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