CHILD CARE TIP

Sara Gable, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia

Selecting a child care program for your children can be a very difficult decision.  Typically, the decision about who is going to care for your children is based on three things.  Following are some hints to make the process a little smoother:

1. First, do you think that the child care program is GOOD? Will your children be safe and have the opportunity to learn and grow? Is the facility clean and are nutritious foods served? Are the caregivers trained and nice to the children in their care? Is the person in charge interested in your family's needs?

2. Second, can you AFFORD to pay for the child care program?

3. Third, does the LOCATION of the child care let you easily drop off and pick up your children without conflicting with your work schedule or the child care program's schedule?

After you think about these 3 things, making a decision about a child care program may be easier. If you visit more than one program, you can compare them to decide which one best meets the needs of your family and your children.