Download - Selecting & Evaluating Quality Child Care
Selecting & Evaluating Quality Child Care
Emory WorkLife Resource Center
Presented By
Audrey Adelson
Dependent Care Program Specialist
&
Mary Brown
President, BrownRichards & Associates
Today’s Presenters
Audrey AdelsonDependent Care Program Specialist
• BS and MSW from Florida State University
• Worklife & dependent care programming for Emory
• Professional background in mental health, management development, worklife & employee assistance consulting and training
• Has worked in both clinical and corporate settings helping people improve worklife balance and productivity
• Clients have included Fortune 500 and Professional Athletic Associations
• Parent
Mary BrownBrown Richards & Associates• Founder & President of Brown Richards
& Associates (1971)• Educated at St. Josephs College &
Boston College School of Social Work• Professional background in mental
health, child & elder care.• Worklife clients include Emory, Harvard,
CHOA, Alston & Bird, King & Spalding• Participation in almost all of the
corporate sponsored child care centers in Atlanta including The Clifton Schools
• Recently - FIO 360• Member of NAEYC• Parent
Objectives
1. Discuss the different types of child care and assist you in deciding which options work best for you
2. Educate you on the essentials of quality child care
3. Offer suggestions on what to do when you cannot find availability
4. Acquaint you with resources and programs available to help Emory employees with issues of child care
Steps in Choosing Quality Childcare
The Child Care Trilemma
Bright HorizonsFamily Solutions
Educate Yourself:Types of Child Care
• In-Home Caregivers (Au Pair or Nanny)• Family Day Care Providers• Child Care Centers• Family or Friend• Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)• Parents Morning Out (PMO)• Before & After-School Care• Back-Up / Drop-In Care• Babysitting
Average Costs in Metro AtlantaDollars Per Week
203190 183 173
152135 135 135
0
50
100
150
200
250
Infant Toddler 1 Toddler 2 Pre-School
CCC
FDCP
CCC = Child Care CentersFDCP = Family Day Care Providers
Infant: 6 weeks – 12 monthsToddler 1: 12 - 24 monthsToddler 2: 24 - 36 monthsPre-School : 3 - 5 years
Finding In-Home Caregivers
Using an Agency
Allow Time
State Licensed
Fees & Services
Employee
Screening
Recruiting
Guarantee
Taxes
Doing it Yourself
Allow Time
Advertise
Phone/Email Screen
Interview
References
Background Check
Your Comp Plan
Clear Expectations
Performance Review
Taxes
Family Day Care Providers
• Registered by the state (often less stringent)• Smaller groups of children (3-6) in caregiver home• More flexible than center care• Policies are set by caregiver• Usually only one caregiver• More 1 to 1 time• Often mixed age groups• Discuss back-up plan
Child Care Centers
• Licensed by state (minimum)• Larger number of children (19+)• Structured environment & curriculum• Supervision• Many caregivers• Variety of daily activities & experiences• Socialization• Less 1 to 1 time• Decreased flexibility
Key Indicators of Quality Center Care
1. Low Staff : Child Ratios
2. Small Group Size
3. Ongoing Training of Staff
Essentials: Center Director
• Qualifications
• Strong working knowledge of employment & compliance laws, child development, developing policies & procedures, & curriculum
• Well organized• Good management skills• Excellent leadership abilities & communication skills• Involves parents & community• Open, honest, flexible & creative• Warm and empathetic• Loves children with patient and firm demeanor
Essentials: Staff
• GBI fingerprints & background check
• Education levels and background vary
• Genuine love of children
• Good written & verbal communication skills
• Turnover (national average is 40-60%)
• Respect for children, parents and each other
Child Care Center Teacher : Child Ratios
Age of Children Staff: Child RatioMaximum Group
Size
Infants less than 1 year old 1 to 6 12
or Children under 18 months not walking 1 to 6 12
1 year and walking 1 to 8 16
2 years 1 to 10 20
3 years 1 to 15 30
4 years 1 to 18 36
5 years 1 to 20 40
6 years and older 1 to 25 50
Bright from the StartState of Georgia Requirements
Essentials: Center Safety
Safety Policies & Procedures
Emergency Planning
Medication & Sick Policies
Security
Behavioral Issues
Special Needs
Essentials: Center Staff Training
Essentials: Center Environment
Play Areas
Nap Time
Eating Space
Cleanliness
Toys
Classroom Organization
Learning Experience
Communication
Parent Involvement
Bright from the Start
• Administers Georgia’s Pre-K Program• Licensing and monitoring center-based and home-based
child care facilities• Centers of Distinction & Center of Recognition• Homes of Quality Program• Oversees federal child food program• Implements Standards of Care and Family Homes of Quality • Head Start Collaboration Office• Funding and partnering with local level R&R for child care
Contact 404.657.5562 or 888.442.7735http://www.decal.state.ga.us/
Accreditation
No Vacancies – Now What?
• Waiting lists• Go back to the child care referral directory• Consider alternative providers• Consider alternative work routes• Networking options• Temporary plan• Creativity• Consider alternative work arrangements
Your Role as a Parent
• Evaluation should be ongoing• Build a relationship with your provider• Communicate positive and negative feedback• Be respectful of all child care providers• Suggest solutions to problems• Take action immediately when safety is an issue
Financial Resources to Help Pay for Child Care Expenses
Resources & Referrals for Emory Employees and Dependents
• Work-Life Resource Center • Emory Benefit Department• Dependent Care Resource & Referral (Brown Richards)• FSAP• Bright from the Start• NAEYC & NAFCC• Head Start• Georgia Pre-K• Operation Military Child Care (OMCC)• Internal Revenue Service (Tax Credits)• Easter Seals
Weighing your Decision