How Can I Find Quality Childcare?

The recent tragic loss of a young child in the Indianapolis area has caused parents to rethink their options for child care and also what to look for when searching for child care.

Choosing a child care provider is an important and often confusing time for parents. Child Care Answers is here to help parents with the resources to learn what the different options are to chose from and to provide important information on indicators to look for and questions to ask in your search for child care.


We highly encourage every parent to:
1. Research the child care providers by going to the State Website http://www.childcarefinder.in.gov/ to learn about inspections and complaints.
· Learn what the different options are for programs in your area.
· Talk to Child Care Answers about what regulations the providers in your area are required to meet. Are criminal background checks and drug screenings required? What does the state look for when they visit the sites?
· How do you register a concern or complaint about a provider?
· Learn about the state’s voluntary quality rating system called Paths to QUALITY.
· Is the provider licensed, taking part in Paths to QUALITY, accredited or other certification? If the provider is not on Paths to Quality, ask why and when they plan to start.


2. Create a list of questions to ask and do a phone interview.
· Is there an opening for my child?
· Confirm the hours and days of operation.
· Discuss the cost and ask about financial assistance options. This will vary from program to program.
· How many children are in the program?
· What are the age groups served?

3. Visit the provider. (Try to visit more than once and at different times of day.)
· Be sure to use your 5 senses when you go into a site. Are the interactions between providers and children responses, nurturing and warm?
· Are the children happily involved in daily activities? Are they given free and structured times?
· Is the environment and equipment (including toys) age appropriate, clean and in good repair? Ask about the cleaning schedule.
· Is there a variety and ample number of toys and learning materials?
· Do the children get individual attention?
· Ask about the provider’s education/training. Research has shown that the more a provider knows how young children learn and grow, the better they are at taking care of children.
· Ask how long the providers have been at the site and with that age group. It’s best if children stay with the same provider for at least a year. Consistency is very important.
· Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the number of children for each adult the better for your child. Feel free to count heads of little ones when you visit.
· Ask how the providers keep the parents informed on a daily basis. Do they have parent groups, daily notes, journals or emails?
· Find out if the provider has been accredited by a national organization. Becoming accredited means that the provider has met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements.
· Make sure that the provider has an open door policy allowing parents to visit at anytime their child is at the program.

4. Check the provider’s references.
· Talk with other parents about the quality of the program and care of their children.

5. Remember that it is important to stay involved once your child is enrolled in a program.
· Check in with the providers daily.
· Visit and observe your children in the care setting.
· When able, be involved in such activities as field trips and parties.
· Ask about ways to network with the other parents.


These steps are only the beginning for a having a successful and quality early childhood education experience. Child Care Answers encourages every parent to gather as much information as possible to help find the quality program that works for your family. We are here to help you every step of the way. You may contact us at 317-631-4643 or visit our website at www.childcareanswers.com