The U.S. child care system continues to experience multiple crises, with families finding it difficult to locate reliable, affordable child care. Child care is the most expensive household expense nationwide, costing families even more than housing. Over 50% of families spend more than 20% of their household income on child care. Between 2020 and 2021, the overall availability of child care programs continued to decrease, leaving families with even fewer options than before the pandemic. And even though parents are shelling out thousands of dollars per year for child care, regulation and oversight of child care facilities is sorely lacking.
Safety Issues in Day Care
We keep far better statistics on pro sports in America than on deaths and injuries in child care settings. Regulations and reporting vary from state to state, and no federal reporting requirements exist for child care injuries and fatalities. If you’re trying to find a quality, licensed day care for your child, here are some tips to help you in your search:
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Start early. No matter what type of services you’re looking for, getting a child into any day care facility often takes time. Use a cost calculator to understand better how much you may pay for child care.
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Research your providers. Talk to referral agencies and ask about licensing requirements, complaints, violations, financial assistance programs, and more.
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Visit and ask questions. Ask about adult-to-child ratios, group size, caregiver qualifications, turnover, and accreditation.
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Stay involved. You and the caregivers are partners now. Remain active in your child’s life at day care and consistently check in with the day care providers.
More Questions to Ask
Here are just some of the essential safety questions you should be asking before you send your child to day care:
- What education, training, and experience do the child care provider(s) have? Are all providers certified in CPR?
- Are the proper car seats, booster seats, and seat belts used if traveling? Is there a transportation policy?
- Does the caregiver have current references from other parents that you can use?
- Will the child go outside? How will they be supervised while outside?
- What food will the child be eating? What is their nutrition and allergy policy?
- Is the child ever given medication? How will that be distributed?
- Is the center licensed or registered with the appropriate local government agencies?
- What is the protocol for a medical emergency?
- Is the location secure? Who is allowed into the area, and what is the screening process?
- What is the staffing ratio of children to caregivers? What happens if staff are out for illness or vacation?
- What types of training are caregivers required to attend before starting at the facility, and do caregivers have any continuing education?
