These childcare tips are courtesy of Iris’s Community Partners Program. To learn more about Community Partners and the support they provide, click on the image above or click here.
What should you think about before leaving your child with someone?
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Are they sober?
Do they understand how to change diapers and feed balanced meals?
How will they discipline our child? (No physical punishments, listening to your wishes)
Will they know how to react when your child cries or whines? Do they have patience and know how to calm a child?
Will there be a child-friendly entertainment? (Appropriate toys, play items or children’s programming on the TV)
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If you have an infant, are they able to sleep in a pack n play or crib that is flat and free of any objects or restraints?
Are hazardous items easily accessible? (Weapons, medicines, cleaning supplies, exposed power sockets, batteries, hot items or sharp objects)
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Have numbers for you, your child’s doctor, poison control and emergency services handy.
Selecting quality childcare
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Encourage parents to visit at any time?
Appear to be warm and friendly?
Have a sense of humor?
Seem to be someone with whom you can develop a relaxed, sharing relationship?
Appear to be someone your child will enjoy being around?
Seem to feel good about themself and the job?
Have child-rearing attitudes and methods similar to your own?
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Equipment that is safe and in good condition?
Equipment and materials suitable for the ages of the children there?
Safety caps on electrical outlets?
A safe place to store dangerous items such as medicines, cleaners, poisons, matches, sharp instruments, etc?
An alternate exit in case of fire?
A safety plan to follow in emergencies?
An outdoor play area that is safe, fences (or secure) and free of litter?
Groups of manageable sizes?
A scholarship program, subsidies or sliding fee scale?
Enough heat, light and ventilation?
Any pets? If so, are they properly trained or penned and have they had all their appropriate shots?
Safe transportation with seat belts and car seats?
A nap or resting area depending on ages and needs of children?
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Play quietly and actively indoors and out?
Play alone at times and with friends at other times?
Follow a schedule that meets young children’s need for routine, but is flexible enough to meet the different needs of children?
Use materials and equipment that help children learn new physical skills, develop muscular control and get exercise?
Learn to get along, to share, and to respect themselves?
Learn about their own and others’ cultures through art, music, books, songs, games and other activities?
Play with many different toys and equipment that enable children to use their imagination?
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Is there a diaper changing area with a washable surface, and is it sanitized regularly?
Are hands washed before and after feeding and diapering?
Are bottles, nipples and toys kept clean? How are they cleaned?
Are food and formula served at the right temperature?
Are unused formula and food refrigerated and labeled or discarded when no longer fresh?
Are babies changing promptly when diapers are wet or dirty?
Are babies cleaned thoroughly during diaper changes?
Is a separate crib, portacrib or playpen provided for each infant?
Are babies help when fed? Do you avoid propping the bottle in a bouncy seat during feeing time?
Are babies placed on their backs during naptime?
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What is your child like?
How does your child communicate their needs?
Does your child need help moving around?
Is your child on a special diet on medication?
How does your child relate or react to other children?
Has your child been immunized? (You will need to provide an immunization history record.)
