FAMILIES

Child Care Options

Decide and Start Using a Provider

Steps to Finding the Best Child Care for Your Family

Remaining involved in the daily care of your child is important.  Child care works best for everyone when a good, trusting relationship is developed between the family and the child care provider. In a healthy parent/provider relationship both parties are honest. They show mutual respect, and use open communication with each other. Here are some examples of ways this can be accomplished by parent and providers.

Decide and start using a provider

wdt_IDParentProvider
1Be honest about how you believe the arrangement is working.Don’t make commitments that cannot be kept.
2Show trust by asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions if a problem arises.Never cover up problems that occur.
3Respect the provider’s choice of profession and view them as a professional.Respect the parent’s choice to work outside the home.
4Be clear in explaining wishes and expectations.Encourage parents to ask questions and ask questions of the parent.
5Share information on routines, preferences, problems and progress.Provide regular updates on the children’s development.
6Expect open access to the child care setting during operation hours.Offer open access to the child care setting during all operation hours.
7Expect precautions are taken to keep children safe.Abide by the parent’s wishes when agreed upon.
8Follow through on all agreements, such as, picking children up and paying on time.Expect parents to follow through on all agreements, such as, picking up children and paying on time.

Compromise and open communication are essential in making any child care arrangements successful. A partnership between parents and child care providers doesn’t just happen. It takes effort and practice that is worth it to provide the best possible care for children.     

My Child DE is a user-friendly website that brings together resources to help families, providers and other caretakers make informed choices for the children of Delaware. The goal of My Child DE is to help these groups feel welcome, informed and empowered to engage, learn and take the next steps needed to support children.