Considering the first six years of a child’s life is so crucial to his or her development, finding the right child care arrangement is one of the most important decisions parents can make.
Finding care that ensures your child’s safety and helps them prepare for school and the world beyond is a time-consuming but worthwhile process.
Whether you’re looking for part-time, full-time or before- and after-school care, here are a few dos and don’ts as you begin your search for quality child care.
1. Figure out your family’s and child’s needs
Determine what location or neighbourhood is best for your family, the hours of care required, child care budget, financial assistance eligibility and your child’s particular needs. Make sure the child care providers are able to provide your child with the attention they need.
2. Know the difference between licensed and unlicensed care
Before you start making your short list, learn about the different types of child care options available in Ontario.
Licensed child care programs meet provincial standards when it comes to health, safety and welfare of children.
3. Get on the list as early as possible
Popular child care centres and providers often have waiting lists. Begin researching what childcare options are available in your area, make a short list and add your name to the waiting list if needed.
Families looking for child care in Toronto can use the Quality Ratings tool on the City of Toronto’s website to learn more about potential child care centres and providers.
4. Check references thoroughly
When it comes to researching potential child care providers, try to be as extensive as possible. While websites and advertisements provide some useful information, word of mouth is a lot more effective.
If you’re unable to get in touch with parents with first-hand experience, references become very important. Reputable child care providers should be able to give you a list of references – both current and past families. Use the feedback you get from these parents to make your decision.
1. Leave it until the last minute
Starting your search earlier than later gives you more options and ensures you make the best decision for your family and your child.
2. Be afraid to ask questions
Whether you need more information about policies, health and safety procedures, staff training/education, curriculum or programming, do not hesitate to ask questions.
High quality child care providers should be willing to answer all your questions and address any concerns you might have before you make your decision.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEm7Ccuu0Zc?list=PLUmm6OIjgyiu7OW1WT2QZy9Vn7Z3CFHR6]
YMCA of Greater Toronto provides child care for children 0 to 3.8 years of age and before- and after-school care for children 4 to 12 years of age.
Our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum focuses on small group, play-based activities. We have over 280 licensed child care programs across the GTA.
Finding care that ensures your child’s safety and helps them prepare for school and the world beyond is a time-consuming but worthwhile process.
Whether you’re looking for part-time, full-time or before- and after-school care, here are a few dos and don’ts as you begin your search for quality child care.
DO…
1. Figure out your family’s and child’s needs
Determine what location or neighbourhood is best for your family, the hours of care required, child care budget, financial assistance eligibility and your child’s particular needs. Make sure the child care providers are able to provide your child with the attention they need.
2. Know the difference between licensed and unlicensed care
Before you start making your short list, learn about the different types of child care options available in Ontario.
Licensed child care programs meet provincial standards when it comes to health, safety and welfare of children.
3. Get on the list as early as possible
Popular child care centres and providers often have waiting lists. Begin researching what childcare options are available in your area, make a short list and add your name to the waiting list if needed.
Families looking for child care in Toronto can use the Quality Ratings tool on the City of Toronto’s website to learn more about potential child care centres and providers.
4. Check references thoroughly
When it comes to researching potential child care providers, try to be as extensive as possible. While websites and advertisements provide some useful information, word of mouth is a lot more effective.
If you’re unable to get in touch with parents with first-hand experience, references become very important. Reputable child care providers should be able to give you a list of references – both current and past families. Use the feedback you get from these parents to make your decision.
DON’T…
1. Leave it until the last minute
Starting your search earlier than later gives you more options and ensures you make the best decision for your family and your child.
2. Be afraid to ask questions
Whether you need more information about policies, health and safety procedures, staff training/education, curriculum or programming, do not hesitate to ask questions.
High quality child care providers should be willing to answer all your questions and address any concerns you might have before you make your decision.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEm7Ccuu0Zc?list=PLUmm6OIjgyiu7OW1WT2QZy9Vn7Z3CFHR6]
YMCA of Greater Toronto provides child care for children 0 to 3.8 years of age and before- and after-school care for children 4 to 12 years of age.
Our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum focuses on small group, play-based activities. We have over 280 licensed child care programs across the GTA.
