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QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN  LOOKING FOR CHILD CARE:

 

        Basics…

  • Is the program licensed? Are the hours acceptable? Are the fees affordable? Is the facility safe and well maintained? Is the setting cheerful? Are the toys safe and appropriate? Is there good light and ventilation? Are there smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and are exits clear? Are medicines/cleaning products locked away safely?  Is there a first aid kit readily available?  

      Does the caregiver…

  • Seem to enjoy children? Respond quickly to children’s needs? Play with children? Gentle in handling children? Is there a policy on discipline? Do parents meet with the caregiver on a regular basis?  Give you a copy of their policies and have you sign a contract? Provide references?  Give you a tour of their home during the interview?  Continue to grow in professionalism and maintain a quality family child care program?

      Are activities...         

  • Varied and age-appropriate? Do the children play outdoors each day? Is there a clear schedule for meals, naps, and play times? Are naps cozy and comfortable for children?  Are parents welcome to spend time there?  Is there an open-door policy? Are snacks and meals balanced and nutritious?  Is the caregiver a member of the Child Care and Adult Food Program?  What are their handwashing, bathroom and diapering routines?                    

      Think it over...

  • Is the caregiver's attitudes toward children compatible with or complementary to your own? Is the caregiver's style appropriate for your child’s age and temperament? Would the size of the group allow your child to get the attention they need? Would the activities be enjoyable? If there is a disagreement, would you be comfortable discussing it with the caregiver? Is the caregiver the role model you want for your child?                               

     Try to visualize….

  • your child in this setting. Is it a happy image? Trust your instincts. If you feel you need to visit again, do it. You are the best judge of what your child needs.

Helpful Links for Parents and Families
 
Americans with Disabilities Act - Provides informative information to caregivers and families on ways tomake the environment safe, accessible and accommodating to children.
 
 
Child Care Aware - Is a non-profit initiative committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community.
 
 
Early Intervention - Information for parents and caregivers of infants or toddlers who are aged 0-3 who may be showing signs of a developmental delay.
 
 
IDCFS - Illinois Department of Children & Family
Services - On this web site you will find timely information about Child Protection, Foster Care, Adoption, Day Care licensing and other services provided by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS).
 
 
IDHS - Illinois Department of Human Services - To assist our customers to achieve maximum self-sufficiency, independence and health through the provision of seamless, integrated services for individuals, families and communities.
 
 
Kid's Care - Is a state program that offers health care coverage to children and pregnant women and helps in paying premiums of employer-sponsored or private insurance plans.
 
 
INCCRRA - Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies - Is the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies which promotes and facilitates quality early care and education for children, families, child care providers, employers, and communities
in Illinois through a coordinated effort. INCCRRA is the headquarters for Illinois child care resource and Referrals network.
 
 
Parenting 24/7 - Is an easy-to-use, one-stop source of news, information, and advice on parenting from University of Illinois Extension.
 
 
Parenting Again - This is a resource tool developed to help grandparents who have become parents again.
 
 
Disclaimer:
Links to external websites are provided for convenience and information only. Home Day Care Providers Association assumes no responsibility for their content and does not endorse these websites or their organizations.
 
 
 

The Child Care Assistance Program is a program that can help assist you in paying for childcare for your children.  To see if you qualify, click the icon to the left.

  Check to see licensing compliance information on current IL State licensed Day Care Providers. Click on the icon to the left to start your search. 

 ExceleRate Illinois includes Early Learning programs throughout the state.  This will help you locate a Child Care Program that is a part of the Circle Quality of Care.  It is an additional resource parents can use when choosing child care.  Click on the icon to the left to start your search.

Family Child Care Ratios- Some families choose for their child to be cared for in a home-like setting. Family child care providers fulfill this need by offering care for children in their homes.

 

• Licensed Family Child Care providers* may care for up to eight children (including their own), or up to 12 children with an assistant.

• Licensed Family Child Care Group Home providers* may care for up to 16 children (including their own) with the help of a full-time assistant.

• License-Exempt Family Child Care providers (such as Family, Friend and Neighbor care) may care for three or fewer children (including their own), or children from one family.

 

* Licensed family child care providers and licensed family child care group home providers must meet Illinois Department of Children and Family Services standards for health and safety including child to staff ratios and required space per child.

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