Parents have to be proactive when they place their child into any type of childcare, especially with in-home childcare (other childcare providers that care for children in their home). There are many things that parents can do to make sure that their child is in a safe, caring, nurturing environment. My husband and I have found this out the hard way with our four children (ages 7 months to 7 years). We have had two experiences with the Department of Human Services within eight months. The first experience was due to the childcare provider not sharing important information that if we would have known, would have never chose her in the first place. The second situation, was due to the childcare provider neglecting our four children (in addition to seventeen plus other children) as well as being lied to. I am sharing the information with you the reader in the hopes that parents will feel empowered and know what to look for so that their children are not placed into a similar situation. These tips/ideas were shared with me by the Department of Human Services.
There are many things that parents can do as their child is placed into a new in-home childcare placement. Listed below are some recommendations:
- Make sure that the childcare provider does not have prior allegations/reports of child abuse (contact your Department of Human Services )
- Stop by unannounced off and on to see how things are going (if you are unable to, see if a family member or friend can)
- If the individual is state registered, you should see their certificate of being state registered as you enter his/her home (not behind a door or in a place that is difficult to see)
- If the childcare provider is state registered, you should fill out a nutritional/food program form (this form allows your childcare provider to be reimbursed for the food/supplies they use for childcare)
- If possible, get to know the other parents that take their children to your provider.
- Don't stop at the entry way of the home, make sure to walk to the different areas of the home (over time) that your child will be receiving care (i.e. nap area, play area, bathroom, kitchen, etc.)
There are many things that parents can do to become proactive when their child is in in-home childcare. My husband and I are following our own advice and have found a new state registered childcare-provider that is providing a safe and nurturing childcare to our children. We are lucky to have found such a person, but had to find out the hard way. If you have concerns about whether or not your child is receiving the right childcare that is safe and nurturing, please read the article, "Red Flags - What to Look Out for with In-Home Childcare Placements."
