Deciding on a Child Care Location
Different types of child care options are available to choose from:
-
Licensed Child Care Centres
Provides care in a child care facility. A qualified Early Childhood Educator supervises each age group of children.
-
Licensed Home Child Care
Provides care for children in a provider's own home. It allows for flexible hours of care, including evening, early morning, weekend and overnight care.
This is a good option for families who attend school or training, work shifts or who need part-time, weekend or overnight care.
-
Private Child Care
Factors to consider when making your decision about child care:
Child Care Centre Environment
- Centre's operating license is posted
- A bright and cheerful environment
- Open door policy which invites you to visit any time
- Children with special needs are fully involved in the program
Activities, Menu and Daily Programs
- Variety of educational learning materials
- Furnishings that are safe, clean and age-appropriate
- Program plans and routines are posted
- A healthy menu plan that follows Canada's Food Guide is posted
Staff Qualifications
- Credentials of teaching and supervisory staff include a diploma in Early Childhood Education from an Ontario college or equivalent
- Staff are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators
- Staff regularly evaluate the program
- Staff determine children's developmental strengths and needs
- Staff have participated in our "Quality Child Care Niagara" training program
Policies and Regulations
- Written policies are provided
- Consistent practices are carried out for items such as hours of operation, emergency contacts, program costs, and behaviour management practices
Parent Involvement
- Regular feedback such as parent surveys
- Program participation
- Speaking to other parents with children in the program