|
The caregiver you choose will play
an important role in the growth and development of
your child.
Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral
agencies are working to help improve the availability,
affordability and quality of child care statewide.
We offer services that benefit parents, caregivers,
employers and communities.
As you weigh your choices, remember
that the most important considerations revolve around trust.
You should be able to trust that the caregiver you
choose will attend to your child's individual needs.
It is essential that your child feel comfortable and
safe in the setting you choose.
Once you have determined your needs
for child care, compare those needs to the services
available in your community. Some common types of child
care include:
- Child
Care Homes: Individual providers may become registered
with the State Department of Human Services under
one of the following categories:
- Non-Registered Home:
Can care for up to five children at any one time.
- Child Development Home A:
Providers can care for up to six children at any
one time (no more than four under the age of twenty-four
months). In addition, not more than two children
who attend school may be present for less than
two hours at a time. The provider's own preschool
age children are included in the total count.
The provider's own children attending kindergarten
or higher are not included in the total count.
- Child Development Home B:
Exact same as Home A regulations. In addition
to these six children, up to four children who
attend school may be present. Whenever more than
eight children are present at any one time for
more than two hours, the provider must be assisted
by a DHS-approved assistant, age fourteen or older.
Up to two children may also be present who are
using part-time hours.
- Child Development Home C:
Providers may care for up to twelve preschool
children at any one time. Whenever more than eight
children are present, both providers, both qualified
by regulations, must be present. (No more than
four under the age of twenty-four months; if three
of these four are under eighteen months, both
providers must be present.) The provider's own
preschool age children are included in the count.
The provider's own children attending kindergarten
or higher are not included in the total count.
In addition, up to two children who attend school
may be present for less than two hours at a time.
Up to two children may also be present who are
using part-time hours.
- Child
Care Center: provides care for seven or more children
and is licensed by the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Licenses are valid for up to two years.
- Preschool:
provides an educational program to seven or more children
three to five ears of age for up to three hours per
day. It does not provide comprehensive child care,
but is required to be licensed. Licenses are valid
for up to two years.
- In-home
Child Care: provided in the child's own home by
an individual employed by the family. Not regulated.
- School-age
Child Care: available in a variety of settings
including public school programs, child care centers,
family day care homes, YWCA and YMCA.
- Care
for Children with Special Needs: services provided
to meet a variety of individual needs in child care
homes and centers.
A child care home that is registered
with the Iowa Department of Human Services has agreed
to meet safety and sanitary standards to provide programs
and equipment appropriate for the ages of children
being cared for and to maintain records on each child.
Providers in registered homes are required to be 18
years or older and everyone in the home 14 years or
older must pass a child abuse registry check and a
criminal records check. Under registration, a caregiver
must self-certify that they meet minimum health and
safety standards and minimum annual training requirements.
A child care center licensed by the
Iowa Department of Human Services is found to be in
compliance with minimum standards, including the requirements
of the State Fire Marshal. Centers must comply with,
among others, requirements for personnel, staff ration,
child records, health and safety policies, activity
programs, discipline policies, building standards and
food services. Programs must be designed to be appropriate
for the ages of children cared for by the center. Child
abuse registry and criminal record checks are completed
on all staff.
When it comes to deciding what is
best for you and your child, you are the expert. Trust
your instincts to help you decide what you value and
what care situation will best meet your child's needs.
When sorting through referrals for
child care, allow plenty of time to explore all the
possibilities available. Many child care centers have
waiting lists for infant and toddler care, so it is
important to begin checking these facilities several
months in advance. Because child care homes generally
are unable to hold spaces open, it is better to visit
them closer to the time you will be needing care for
your child.
When scheduling a visit with a caregiver,
allow enough time to ask questions and observe the
children's activities and their interactions with the
caregiver and with each other.
- Establish
a list of questions you would like to have answered
by the caregiver or child care center director.
- Screen
caregivers by telephone. Ask general questions
over the phone to determine if the setting meets
your basic requirements. Respect the caregivers'
policies on phone interviews.
- Schedule
a visit. Reserve at least an hour to tour the home
or center and to talk with the caregiver or director.
Do not end the visit until all your questions have
been answered. Ask for references so you can discuss
the caregiver and program with parents who have
had experience with it.
- Interview
several different caregivers to give you a basis
for comparison before you make your final decision.
- Choose
the program that meets the needs of you and your
child and that best matches your parenting style.
- Notify
caregivers or programs you did not choose so they
do not continue to hold openings for your child.
- Notify
the resource and referral agency that you have
found a caregiver.
- Establish
a written agreement to ensure that both you and
your caregiver understand your respective responsibilities
an commitments.
Caregivers enrolled with the Iowa
Child Care Resource and Referral System will expect
you to ask these questions:
- What background
or special training in child care do you have?
- If you
hire assistants, what is their background or special
training? What is the turnover rate for those positions?
- How do
you provide for regular communication with parents?
- Is there
an open parent visitation policy?
- What is
your policy on discipline?
- What meals
and snacks are provided?
- What nutritional
guidelines are followed?
- Do you
participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
- How would
you or an assistant handle a medical emergency?
- Do you
and your assistants have current CPR and First
Aid certificates? What kind of training have you
received specific to my child's age?
- What insurance
coverage do you carry?
- What happens
when you or an assistant are unable to care for
children due to illness or some other emergency?
- Is there
a regular schedule of activities and does it allow
for flexibility?
- Do you
have a policy on television and video viewing?
- Is there
a written parent agreement? What does it include?
- What are
your fees?
- What are
your long-term plans in regard to your child care
business?
- Are you
registered or licensed with the Iowa Department
of Human Services?
- Is the
caregiver warm and friendly?
- Does the
caregiver respond quickly to the children?
- Does the
caregiver talk directly to the children and communicate
with them at their level?
- Does the
caregiver have a sense of humor?
- Does the
caregiver appear kind and patient with the children?
- Do the
children appear relaxed and happy?
- Do the
children interact well with each other?
- Are there
rules for the children to follow and are they easily
understood by them?
- Does the
home or center appear clean and comfortable?
- Is there
enough space for play and napping areas?
- Are there
enough furniture, toys and other equipment for
the children?
- Are furniture,
toys and other equipment safe and in good repair?
- Are dangerous
items such as medicine, cleaners, poisons, matches
and sharp instruments stored in a safe place?
- Are there
safety caps on electrical outlets?
- Is there
an emergency plan posted?
- Is a First
Aid kit on the premises?
- Are there
working fire extinguishers and smoke detectors?
- Are foods
stored properly?
- Are there
definite sanitation and hand-washing rules?
- Is there
evidence of adequate supplies such as soap, toilet
paper, individual towels or paper towels, individual
glasses?
- Does the
outdoor play are appear safe and accessible?
- Are there
materials available for creative expression in
art and music?
- Are children's
books and educational toys available?
References can be a helpful tool
in helping you make your final decision about a caregiver.
References should be requested from the caregiver.
When you call the references ask the following questions:
- How long
has your child been in the home or center?
- How does
your child feel about the caregiver?
- What do
you like about the caregiver?
- Is there
anything you do not like about the caregiver's
methods?
- Is it easy
to talk to the caregiver?
- Is the
caregiver open to your child's individual needs?
- How does
the caregiver deal with problems or concerns?
- What kind
of discipline does the caregiver use?
- What would
you like to see the caregiver do differently?
- Would you
choose this caregiver again?
A written agreement between you and
your caregiver will help set the stage for open communication.
It should explain what you expect of the caregiver
as well as your responsibilities. Many caregivers already
have established written agreements. Review any contracts
to make sure it covers all your areas of concern.
A comprehensive written agreement
may include:
- Hours care
will be provided and location at which care will
take place.
- The fee
schedule.
- Policies
on caring for sick children.
- Responsibility
for locating substitute care.
- Supplies
to be provided by parents.
- Individuals
authorized to pick up the child.
- Provisions
for meals.
- Emergency
procedures.
- Procedure
for notification of fee changes.
- Policies
on termination.
You also should be prepared to provide
a brief medical history of your child including immunizations
and any allergies or medical problems, the telephone
number of the child's pediatrician or family doctor
and dentist, and any insurance information a caregiver
might need in case of a medical emergency. Physical
examinations are required to be on file in licensed
and registered child care programs.
It is important to recognize the
valuable role your caregiver plays in your child's
life. Talk together regularly about your child's progress
and any problems he or she may be having. Show respect
for your caregiver by being thoughtful and considerate
in the following ways:
- Be on time.
- Call if
you are going to be late.
- Pay on
time.
- Notify
your caregiver of vacations well in advance.
- Provide
any personal items your child needs.
- Keep sick
children at home.
- Have a
back-up child care arrangement in the event your
caregiver is not able to provide care.
- Give ample
notice if you decide to no longer use the caregiver's
services.
Children and parents react to change
in different ways. It is important to recognize any
change in child care may represent an adjustment for
everyone involved.
The following tips may provide to
be helpful:
- Talk with
your child about the new experiences he or she
can expect. Focus on positive areas of interest
to your child such as other children the same age
or regularly scheduled special activities.
- Read children's
books to your child that deal with working families
and other children's feelings about adjusting to
child care.
- Encourage
your child to discuss his or her feeling with you.
Throughout your discussions with your child maintain
a positive attitude about the new experiences and
its benefits.
- Visit the
caregiver's home or the child care center with
your child before you begin regularly scheduled
care. Stay with your child during this visit and
allow enough time for the child to meet the caregiver
and any assistants and to explore the new surroundings.
- Share details
about your child's habits, likes, dislikes and
fears with the caregiver and any assistants. Be
sure to discuss any area your child may have expressed
apprehension about.
- Arrange
for your child to take a familiar item to child
care such as a favorite stuffed toy or blanket.
- Recognize
that parents as well as children can suffer separation
anxiety. You and your child will both find it easier
to adjust to a new situation if you, as the adult,
practice patience and stick to a regular routine.
- To ease
the transition, always show affection when you
say good-bye. Let your child know you accept his
or her feelings by saying such things as "I
know you don't want me to leave and I will miss
you, too." Then be firm but friendly about
leaving. When you pick up your child, treat returning
home in the same firm friendly way.
Depending on your family's income
and size, you may qualify for a child care tax credit
or subsidy. Some local communities may have additional
financial assistance in the form of scholarships or
discounts through community organizations.
The Iowa Department of Human Services
in your county can help you determine whether you meet
eligibility requirements. Current child care assistance
programs include: Child Care Assistance, PROMISE JOBS
and Transitional Child Care which may provide a certificate/voucher
allowing parental choice of caregiver.
A child care resource and referral
parent counselor is available to help you identify
resources available that would be the most appropriate
for your family needs.
It is likely that your child care
arrangement will provide only good experiences for
your child, but there is always a chance that something
may go wrong. You need to be prepared to recognize
the difference between a "serious complaint" -
a violation of state regulatory requirements; and a "personality
related complaint" - such as a disagreement with
your caregiver. Parents and caregivers are encouraged
to work out disagreements through improved communications.
Personality Related Complaints
Complaints regarding style of interaction,
personality, business practice or any other personality-related
matter should be clarified and resolved between the
parent and caregiver. If necessary the child care resource
and referral agency can provide assistance that may
be helpful in reaching a mutually satisfactory solution
to the current situation.
If a pattern of similar complaints
regarding a caregiver emerges, the resource and referral
agency will contact the caregiver and offer suggestions
for rectifying the situation. Should the caregiver
refuse assistance or if the resource and referral agency
feels a substantial problem exists, the caregiver may
be removed from participation on the program. The caregiver
will be notified if such action is taken.
Serious Complaints
As a parent, you should report complaints
indicating non-compliance with state regulatory requirements
(i.e. licensing violations, unsafe environmental conditions)
to your local Iowa Department of Human Services office.
If you suspect possible child abuse or neglect, contact
the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178
and your resource and referral agency immediately.
When the child care resource and
referral agency receives this type of complaint, the
agency reserves the right to report the complaint and
to temporarily suspend the caregiver from referrals
and participation in the program. The caregiver will
be notified if such action is taken. Information regarding
an investigation of child abuse and neglect is confidential.
Your resource and referral agency
can help you with your child care concerns. A parent
referral counselor will assist you with both short-term
and long-term arrangements when you wish to make a
change for any reason.
Finally, recognize adjustments may
have to be made. Perhaps your working hours change
or your caregiver can no longer provide you service
or you may want to find a caregiver closer to your
work, home or school.
Change is inevitable as your child
grows. When it comes time to change your child care
arrangements, you will have the information necessary
to make a decision.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Have
a backup plan for emergencies. Keep the names and phone
numbers of your resource and referral agency, friends
or caregivers so you will have a head start in case
you have to do another search.
Changing your child care arrangement
can be made easier and less painful when you can plan
for the change.
- Talk with
your child before an arrangement is changed. Young
children don't have the same sense of time adults
do.
- Tell your
caregiver in advance that you plan to change the
arrangement and that you will explain the change
to your child.
- If possible,
plan the last day and make it special by picking
special foods or activities for the child and having
pictures taken.
- Be positive
about the new arrangements you have made, whether
it be another caregiver, school or home.
|
