Day Care Provider Tips

(WTNH) -- Need help finding a day care provider in Connecticut? Here are some helpful suggestions and links to more information to help you make the right decision for your situation.

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8 Great Tips on Finding the Right Daycare

From Parents.com:

1. Get recommendations from people who hold similar values
2. Look for signs of an organized, well-thought-out day.
3. Know your priorities.
4. Look beyond credentials and jargon.
5. Make sure the teachers are fully attuned to child development.
6. Determine whether the teachers feel empowered.
7. Look for engagement.
8. Don't ignore your gut feeling.

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What Questions Will Help Me Choose The Right Daycare?

According to About.com , here are a few of the 16 questions you should ask a prospective day car provider:

• May I drop in anytime?
• What are the fees?
• Are there extra fees?
• What is the tenure of the staff?
• Are the caregivers trained in child development?

Read them all at childcare.about.com  

 

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CT.gov Parent Guidelines for Choosing a Child Day Care Program  

 

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, parents must be given access to licensed programs during the hours of operation. Ask to see the program’s most recent DPH inspection report, and then use the checklist from the PDF below to do your own inspection.

Link: Parent Guidelines for Choosing a Child Care Program (PDF)
Link: In Spanish - Seleccionando un buen Cuidado de Niños (PDF)

 

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Currently Licensed, New and Closed Programs/Providers

Find out about day care centers across Connecticut; when they were last inspected, if they have had any complaints and if they have a current Connecticut License.

Search for Licensed Daycare facilities in Connecticut

Categories include:
Child Day Care - Centers & Group Homes
Child Day Care - Family Homes
Child Day Care - Substitute, Assistant, & Consultant

Learn more at CT.gov/DPH

 

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Have questions? Call the Child Care Referral Specialists at www.211childcare.org

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Resources for parents including how to find help to pay for child care from the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families .