RSSSafe Kids: Finding the right fit for child care
for the Yakima Herald-Republic
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The flowers are blooming, the grass needs to be cut. No doubt about it, summer is almost here, which means school's just about out, too.
While kids may be celebrating, I know of several parents bemoaning the fact that without school, they need to find good, reliable -- and hopefully fun -- child care for their little ones. While my "baby" is almost grown up, I still remember the hugeness of this task. After all, who could possibly care for my child as well as I?
Fortunately, there are a few options out there. And once you find a situation you're comfortable with, the worry -- and guilt -- of leaving your kids in someone else's care can be better managed.
Child Care Centers
For ongoing, regular care of children, such as while you work, many people rely on a child care center. When shopping for this type of setting, keep your own values and parenting style in mind. If your family is very structured, a laid back, unscheduled atmosphere may leave your child feeling unsettled. Consider your own beliefs around naps, potty training, meals and discipline and compare them with the beliefs and practices of the potential child care center when shopping around.
Home Child Care
Another option for keeping your child safe through the summer is finding a home child care. These businesses are typically run by a parent in his or her own home. Usually smaller than a child care center, home child cares may have several children of different ages, which can be great for kid play and socialization.
Again, it is important to consider your family's beliefs and general structure when looking for child care in someone's home. Additionally, be sure to find out whether the child care business is licensed. Licensing helps make sure that standards of safety, nutrition, cleanliness and child-to-care-provider ratios are upheld. Catholic Family & Child Service coordinates a Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service for licensed child care centers and homes in much of Eastern Washington.
"CCR&R is a great educational resource for people wanting to be savvy child care consumers," says Program Manager Camille Becker. "We are able to let families know if a program is licensed, specific hours of availability -- evenings and weekends for example -- as well as experience providers may have in areas such as working with children with special needs."
CCR&R is provided at no charge to families shopping for child care options. Call 965-7109.
At Home Care
Another child care option is to have a care provider come into your home. This situation can be convenient for parents, as all your child's things and supplies are always at hand. Teens, as well as family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles) or friends may be able to supply you with in-home care of your youngster. When considering a person for in-home care, remember you want a sitter who:
* Likes children
* Is trustworthy
* Is responsible
* Has the attention span to actively supervise and entertain your child
* Is patient
* Has taken a baby-sitting class or has raised children
* Has taken infant/child CPR
* Is willing to do the necessary duties to care for your child (such as changing diapers)
If you choose to have someone care for your child at your home, make sure your house is ready for him/her. Be sure to:
* Childproof your home (especially for little ones)
* Go over rules and expectations
* Leave emergency contact information
* Leave your contact information
* Post a list of any health problems your child may have
* Be sure to provide directions for any medication your child may need
Aside from finding the right person to watch over your little one, additional peace of mind can be gained from being sure the environment your child will be in is up to par, too. Be sure to take a tour of any potential center or home you are considering using. Is it safe? Is the play area a fenced? Is it clean and organized? Do the other children seem happy and appropriately occupied?
While licensing can help ensure these kinds of things, it will take a few visits to give you a feel for the atmosphere of the place.
Taking the time to find the best place and person to care for your little one will let you head off to work each day knowing everyone is in good hands.
* Alicia Ullom is the injury prevention coordinator for Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and a member of Safe Kids Yakima County. She is a certified health education specialist and a certified child passenger safety technician. Her column is produced in cooperation with Safe Kids Yakima County -- a local consortium of organizations, agencies and individuals actively promoting child safety.
