Day care services are provided by nurseries, churches, craches, and professional / retired child minders working from their homes and even by some business establishments for the benefit of working parents.



After a preliminary phone interview with the centre or sitter, it is obviously essential to meet the care givers in person so you can make a better judgment about their abilities. In the case of day care centers, a personal visit will enable you to see the facilities and environment your child will be moving in without having to depend on second hand information.

The term day care applies to the long term, regular and, often, daily care of a child, during the parent's absence at specific times of the day. Like during the time when they're at work.

While a licensed day care centre would automatically provide quality care on a daily basis, home day care providers can sometimes be extremely irregular. This inconveniences parents and also upsets the schedule of the child, who has got used to the way his day should progress.

Home day care providers would ideally be responsible, competent individuals with prior experience in the field. The child would be comfortable around them, and the sitters would be able to provide the names of at least two referees who were satisfied with their services. Be sure to call up the referees and check.

With day care centers, the task becomes a bit easier as there are always other parents with whom one can talk. However, though the service may be regular, it is always better to inquire a little deeper into the care aspect of the arrangement.

Always ask the number of children assigned to one minder. The fewer children per minder, the more attention they will get. Also ask if the minders have worked at the centre for long and whether they will be the long term minder of their group.

Ask about the standards of discipline and the center's policies on sickness. Inquire about staff training and check out the safety aspects of both building and playground to your satisfaction. All these things are vital to the well being of your child. If you can ask for a copy of the centers policies with regard to how the institution is run, all the better.

Even after your child has been entered in a reliable day care of your choosing, it is advisable to make periodical visits, attend parent teacher meetings and above all to always know how your child feels about the centre. Keeping in touch with other parents is also a good way to track the progress of your child and any possible problems that might arise at the day care centre.