SELECTING A PRIVATE
HOME FOR CHILD CARE
(Taken from Region of
Durham Child Services Website)
We know that parents have differing requirements of a
Provider home. We encourage each parent to visit a potential provider’s
home and assess it with his or her own priorities in mind.
Following are some areas of common concern.
Observation will be sufficient in some areas, while in others, the parent would
ask specific questions.
Where will the
following activities take place?
- Floor
Play
- Table
Play
- Reading
a book
- Resting
- Eating
- Outdoor
Play
- Washing
hands
Is the home safe and
suitable for your child?
- Stairwells
guarded
- Smoke
alarm operational
- Balcony
doors locked
- Windows
and screen secure
- Hazardous
substances (Javex, medicines, etc.) are out of reach
Are some areas of the
home off limits to children?
- Basement
- Kitchen
- Bedroom
- Balconies
Does the home meet
your own standards of housekeeping?
Is there smoking in
the home?
Are there pets in the
home?
Where will your child
rest? For how long?
What will the
children do all day?
- Are
there adequate books suitable for your child? Should you bring some
of your own?
- Are
there adequate play materials to meet your child's needs? Should you
bring some of your own?
- Will
floor play be encouraged and how will it be supervised?
- Will
outside play be encouraged and how will it be supervised?
- What
meals will be served throughout the day and at what times? What will
they consist of?
- Will
your child be involved in cooking, drawing, painting, colouring, and
making things with his/her hands?
- Will
the Provider read to your child?
- Will
your child be able to listen to music and sing?
- Will
your child be taken out in the neighbourhood and on longer trips?
- Will
your child watch T.V.? If so, what programs?
- If a
playpen is to be used, how long will your child be left in it?
- If
your child is a baby, what is the diapering routine? How often will
he/she be changed?
- Can
a school-aged child take part in after-school activities as well as
neighbourhood and community activities?
- Will
your child take part in the general household routines such as helping in
the kitchen, setting table, and drying dishes?
How does the home
feel?
- Does
the Provider enjoy the children?
- Do
the children in the home like the Provider?
- Does
the Provider listen to the children and answer their questions in a
patient manner?
- How
does the Provider deal with undesirable behaviour?
- Does
the Provider let the children make suggestions? And does he/she let
them do things independently?
- Will
the Provider take time to talk with you and listen to your comments?
- Does
the Provider have lots of energy?
- The
other people in the Provider's home influence the care he/she gives the
children.
- How
many children does he/she care for?
- Are
children in the home older or younger than yours?
- How
will the other people in the home feel about you as a parent, and about
your child?
- Are
there other people making demands on the Provider's time while your child
is in his/her home?
What are the rules of
the house?
If you are seeking a child care home through an Agency, many
of these rules will be Agency requirements or regulations of the Day Nurseries
Act.
- Can
you take your child to the Provider if he/she is sick?
- Will
the Provider give medication?
- Under
what circumstances will the Provider call you at work?
- Who
provides the food?
- Who
supplies the diapers?
- What
happens if you are late picking up your child?
- What
form of discipline does the Provider use?
- If
your child is staying home or arriving late, are you required to phone the
Provider?
- What
items will you need to take to the Provider home for your child?
- What
items should you not take to the Provider home for your child?
- What
is the procedure if your child is taken ill or is involved in an accident?
What health habits are encouraged in the home?
- Do
the children and Provider wash their hands after using the toilet and
before eating anything?
- Will
your child be able to brush his/her teeth after meals?
- Will
your child wash his/her face and comb his/her hair at the Provider home?
