Parents

Quality Child Care

Quality child care can make a big difference in the future of your child. You can give your child a head start on a strong and healthy mind, body, and spirit. Although quality child care can mean different things to different people, many experts agree that quality care include the following:

  • Affection & Attention
  • Group Size
  • Training & Background of the Child Care Provider
  • Low Staff Turnover
  • Parent & Provider Communication
  • Developmental Growth
  • A Healthy Environment

Child Care Quality System (CCQS)QUALITY CARE MATTERS

A toddler boy smiling and laughing.
Here are some great tips to help you make a child care choice that best fits your family's needs and that keeps your mind at ease while you are not able to be with your child. 

Child Care Search GuidanceTHE COST OF CHILD CARE

Telephone Check-List for Parents

A good telephone interview can save you time and energy in your search for child care. Only set up interviews with the child care providers you feel good about over the phone.

Questions to Ask

  • How many children are you licensed for?
  • How many children will be in my child's group?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do you have any training in child development?
  • What are some of the classes you have taken?
  • What is your daily schedule for the children?
  • What fees do you charge?
  • What do the fees include? Lunches? Snacks? Field Trips?
  • What is your policy for sick children?
  • What are your days and hours of operation?
  • Do you hire a substitute when you are on vacation?
  • What holidays are you closed for?
  • Tell me how much and what television programs children are allowed to watch.
  • Do you have a current CPR/First Aid certificate?
  • Can you provide references?

If you like what you hear after talking to the child care provider on the telephone, set up a time during business hours to observe on-site. Let the child care provider know you would like to come and see where your child would be spending their day. This will help you feel at ease as you tour the child care facility.

FIND CHILD CARE

A little girl holding a flower.

Care About Childcare (CAC) at Utah Valley University (UVU) is funded from the Department of Workforce Services, Office of Child Care through the Child Care and Development Block Grant.