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4 HELPFUL HINTSMake Choosing Child Care a BreezeCommunicate with the provider about your parenting style and expectations of the child care facility. Write your questions in advance so you don’t forget anything that is important to you. Listening is also a part of communicating. Make sure you hear what the provider is stating. Repeat and rephrase so you have a clear understanding of what the provider is saying. Accreditation is a voluntary system by which programs measure themselves against a national set of standards. Going beyond minimum licensing standards, accredited programs make a commitment to excellence. Caregivers in accredited programs take part in on-going training. They are more likely to understand children’s needs at different ages, plan appropriate activities, interact with children in warm and stimulating ways, and provide positive guidance for children rather than harsh discipline. Read the contract thoroughly before you agree to enroll. Make sure you understand payment agreements, health and nutrition policies, drop off and pick-up policies, rest periods, holidays, discipline, educational goals and general philosophies. Evaluate the program. Visit the program at different times of the day. Use your senses...look around to see if staff are actively engaged with the children. Does the site appear clean? Do the children sound happy? For more helpful hints on choosing child care, visit these New York State Office of Children and Family Services links:
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