What is quality child care?
by Wee Watch

The search for reliable, quality day care can be tremendously stressful for parents. Knowing what the options are and the type of care that would best meet your needs and those of your child, is the best way to start.

Child care should support a child's emotional, social, intellectual and physical well-being. Quality child care is not babysitting

Caregivers are key to quality child care. They should...
*Understand how children grow and learn
*Be affectionate and responsive, open and informative
*Provide a stable and stimulating environment
*Seek out community resources and support
*Be willing to develop common goals

Quality child care settings have common characteristics...
*Clean, safe and secure
*A caring, learning environment
*A small number of children with each adult
*Space for quiet and active times, indoor and outdoor play
*A balance of interesting activities
*Flexible, yet predictable daily routine
*A variety of easily available toys and equipment
*Nutritional meals and snacks