Choosing Child Care
Topic Overview
What is child care?
Child care is short-term care by someone other than a parent. There are two basic types of child care: individual and group.
- Individual providers care for only your child or children. Examples include a family member or friend, nanny, au pair, or babysitter.
- Group providers care for your child and other people’s children. Your child may attend a small or large home daycare, a child care co-operative, or a child care centre such as a preschool or Montessori school.
Finding good child care can seem overwhelming and a bit scary. It is an important decision. But if you take your time and do some research, you can find a place where your child can play, learn, and be well taken care of.
How can you find good child care?
When choosing child care, consider your child's safety, how much you can afford to pay, and your daily routine. Finding high-quality care that fits your child's needs takes time and research.
When choosing child care, make sure that it is:
- Safe. Check that it is licensed with your province (also called registration or certification). But licensing guidelines vary from province to province. So make sure that all care providers know how to handle emergencies and are trained in first aid and CPR. Also, ask for references. Get the names of people and agencies you can talk to about the care centres safety record.
- Right for your child's age, skill level, and natural outlook. Ask what ages of children go to the care centre. Think about whether your child would do best at home, in a family home setting, or in a group centre. For example, a child who makes friends easily may do well in a group centre. A shy child may do better in a small, home-based centre.
- Right for your family’s values. Ask what kind of learning programs the centre has. Think about whether these fit with your family’s beliefs and values.
- Well staffed. Make sure there are enough staff members to care for the number of children at the centre. Ask if caregivers are able to give each child one-on-one attention as needed. Check that the main caregivers and program directors are trained in child development and have a university degree or are otherwise highly experienced. Also, find out how long staff members have worked there. It can be upsetting for a child if the staff changes often.
- Caring. Watch how the staff works with the children and if they are kind and caring with them.
- Affordable. In Canada, you can deduct part of child care costs from your federal income taxes. Your employer also may offer benefits or help with child care, or you may qualify for a reduced rate at some child care centres. A new program called the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), helps eligible families pay for child care. The program provides $100 a month for each child under the age of 6 years. For more information or to find out if you qualify for this program, visit the Canada Revenue Agency Web site at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/menu-e.html.
- Reliable and consistent. You'll want to know that your provider will be available when needed. Have written agreements outlining specific hours, holidays, and other breaks.
- Convenient. Think about the location of the care centre, whether traffic will slow you down, and whether the hours work well with your schedule.
What if your child has special needs?
Federal and provincial laws allow equal access to public education and other services such as speech therapy and physiotherapy for children with disabilities or certain conditions that require special care. Find out which laws apply to your child and how to get available services. See the Community Services or Government listings section in your local telephone book.
How can you help your child get the right start?
Children need time to adjust to child care. It is common for a child to cling or cry when a parent leaves. But you can take steps to help your child do well in child care:
- Prepare yourself and your child. It may help if you both get used to spending time apart. Hire a babysitter or ask a friend or relative to help watch your child for short periods, and gradually make them longer.
- Tell your child what will happen. If your child is an older toddler or a preschooler, talk about meeting new friends and doing new things. Remind your child that you will come back to pick him or her up.
- Work into the new routine slowly. You may keep the first visit short and stay with your child. Stay away a little longer each day. Follow your child's lead. He or she may be more ready to join the group than you thought.
- Spend extra time saying good-bye for the first few days. Some children will be ready and eager for the new routine. An extra minute or two to get your child involved in a new project or with a group of children may be all that is needed.
- Let your child bring something from home, if the centre allows it. Having a special blanket or toy can be a comfort.
If you spend time with your child and are calm and loving, he or she will be more likely to adjust to and enjoy child care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about child care:
Things to consider:
Keeping your child healthy and stimulated:
Ongoing concerns:
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: February 21, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
 | Topic Overview |
| Child Care Options | |
| Selecting a Provider | |
| When to Call a Doctor | |
| What to Think About | |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |