Selecting a Quality Child Care Program for the ChildPosted by Pagh Conradsen on May 30th, 2021 I have had many parents require referrals to child care programs. Most parents anguish over the decision to place their sweet child right into a program. It is just a well-documented fact that an excellent child care program might help children flourish socially and mentally. As a former Licensing Specialist for the Department of Social Services in SC, I've seen many accidents and children being hurt and or injured in child care. Institutional child abuse include: scrapes and bruises, inappropriate sexual attention, biting, hair cutting, hair pulling, and also death!! Although, it is inevitable- children get hurt in out of home care, in the home, EVERYWHERE! The likelihood of your son or daughter being hurt of injured in child care is decreased if you place your child in an excellent program. There are several factors that can help you determine an excellent child care program: ? Qualified Teacher- do not be afraid to ask of the teacher's educational/ training background. It really is desirable for the teacher to carry a degree and trained in Early Childhood Education. However, this is simply not a requirement in some states. You would not need to go to a health care provider without proper degree and training. You need to hold the same standards for your child's education. ? Appropriate background checks- ensure the teachers and directors have criminal background checks. Although State regulated Child Care Centers require some form of background check, you need to ensure they are done. It is possible for child care centers to hire persons without proper background checks- willingly or unknowingly. ? If applicable, ensure buses are in safe condition. I've seen children being transported in buses with out a back window. There is a plyboard placed where the window should be that has been propped upright by a chair. It should not be an unreasonable request to inspect the bus your son or daughter will be riding on. If it is a problem so that you can inspect the bus, take that as an indicator. ? Keep an open eye when you visit the Program. Drop in unannounced and look for children left alone, rude talk toward children, and too many children in a classroom. This goes without saying. The amount of respect you see toward other children may be the same level of respect your child will receive if you are not there. ? Safe play equipment and toys. Ensure you can find enough toys in the classroom and you can find no broken toys or equipment. ? Suspicious strangers hanging around this program. In the event that you see suspicious behavior in or around the Program, be proactive and report it to the director/ teacher. Whether you choose a State Regulated Child Care Program or not, it really is your responsibility to ensure your child is in a protected climate. Apex Child Safety Consulting, LLCLike it? Share it! |