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