As summer approaches, we may find ourselves needing to find childcare solutions for our little ones.
Whether we are looking for center-based care, home based care, day camps and recreation programs, a nanny, an occasional babysitter or having to call on family or friends, we need to know that our children will be safe. Use this guide and these questions to help you navigate all the options that are available to you.
Here are some specific questions to ask:
- How do you handle teasing or bullying amongst children?
- What is your policy regarding supervision?
- Do you have a list of references?
- What is your discipline policy? What is your overall child-care philosophy?
- What are your security / safety policies?
- How long has the center been in business/have you been providing childcare?
- What are the center’s / your accreditations?
- How flexible are you with pickup/drop-off? What do you charge for late pick-ups?
- What do you expect from me as a parent?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- How large is the group in which my child would be?
- How do you screen staff? What are staff’s credentials and training?
- Do you / the staff have emergency training? Training in first aid? Training in CPR?
- What is your policy regarding sick kids?
- What types of meals and snacks do you serve or prepare?
- What will my child’s activities be on any given day? Is there a daily schedule?
And because we know 80% or more of child sexual abuse incidents happen in isolated one-on-one situations, for more tips on hiring babysitters, read this post In a Bind? Tips for Minimizing Opportunity.
Pledge to Protect
This post first appeared on our Child Safety Pledge platform. You’ll find that Child Safety Pledge is more than just a resource-provider: it is also a community of adults from across the nation making a public commitment through the Pledge to Protect to ensure the safety of the children in their lives.
