Looking for Child Care

To prepare children for tomorrow’s challenges, they must have every opportunity to learn. For this to happen, children need to grow in stimulating environments, both in and out of the home, which encourage language and motor skills development, emotional awareness, social interactions, and physical growth. In fact, studies show that a child’s academic performance can be directly attributed to the care they receive during the first five years of life.

“Brain architecture is constructed through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood. The early years are the most active period for establishing the neural connections that comprise our brain architecture. As it emerges, the quality of that architecture establishes either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all the capabilities and behavior that follow” (First 2000 Days).

Parents and families should make every effort to choose a quality early care and early education program that will best prepare their child for school and life. The most important step in your search for a quality early care and education or a school-age child care program is to schedule a time to visit at least three programs and look for clues that show each program’s quality. Tour the program and observe the children and the staff. Ask questions about the staff, children, health and safety protocols, outdoor learning, and curriculum.  

To help you make the right choice for your child, researchers have identified research-based guidelines to think about when choosing a child care program. Considering these guidelines can help find a place where you feel comfortable leaving your child.

• Low child/teacher ratios
• Low teacher turnover
• Staff with higher education
• Prior experience and education of the director
• Well-compensated teachers who receive good benefits
• National accreditation or a 4- or 5-star license

Low ratios and low turnover allow teachers to respond to the individual needs of children, to give each child ample attention and to create a strong bond, adding to the child’s security. Higher education helps staff and directors understand the needs and development of young children, which helps teachers plan activities for children and interact with them in developmentally appropriate ways. Well-compensated teachers with good benefits change jobs less frequently, lowering turnover and increasing opportunities for children to create attachments and build healthy relationships. Finally, child care programs with a national accreditation or higher-than-minimum star rated license demonstrate an intent to provide high quality care and have met higher-than-minimum standards to receive the accreditation or license. The following links may help guide you as you look for a quality child care for your child.

English: http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/pdf_forms/ParentBrochure.pdf

Spanish: http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/pdf_forms/parent_brochure_spanish.pdf

English: 

https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/S/Summary_of_the_Law_Brochure.pdf?ver=2018-07-19-162233-047 

Spanish:

https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/S/Summary_ncchildcare_laws_rules_sp.pdf?ver=ntME9KzjzMyX0xwtopfhkA%3d%3d