Choosing a childcare provider can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there are programs and services available to help:

• Child Care Resource Center can provide information on what childcare services are available to meet your needs. The staff can also help you in the process of selecting and maintaining quality child care. You can call them at (434) 528-KIDS or walk-in. They are located in Lynchburg at 2600 Memorial Avenue, Suite #201. They serve all of Central Virginia.
   
• Department of Social Services can also provide you guidance on selecting quality child care, and may be able to help with financial assistance for low income families.
   
  • Lynchburg (434) 847-1531, ext. 307
  • Amherst (434) 946-9330
  • Appomattox (434) 352-7125
  • Bedford (540) 586-7750
  • Campbell (434) 332-9585
     
• The Success By 6 Quality Standards serve as a guide for providers and parents. Participating providers across Central Virginia are committed to providing quality child care that helps children to reach their full potential. Click here for a list of our SB6 participating providers.

Questions to ask a potential provider
(sources: Child Care Resource Center and www.iamyourchild.org)

• What are the fees and what does that include? What hours are you open?
  Make sure the program meets your personal needs.
   
• How many children does the program serve? How many children will be in my child’s age group? What is your staff to child ratio?
  Check the required staff to child ratios and decide if the program’s size and ratios seem comfortable.
   
• What experience do you have in child care? How have you learned about child development? Do you and the staff participate in on-going training, and if so, what are typical topics?
  Consider the educational background of the provider as well as how the program continues to train and educate staff on important issues.
   
• Why did you choose this career?
  Does the provider seem interested in children and enjoy being with them?
   
• Who else will have contact with my child? How long have they worked here? Overall, what are the turnover rates for staff here?
  Try to meet other staff who will work with your child and determine if you feel comfortable with them. High turnover rates (staff quitting after a short time) can negatively impact a child’s development.
   
• Describe what a typical day would be for my child.
  There should be a planned routine that is predictable for children and provide opportunities for a variety of learning experiences (time outside, quiet activities, active play, group and individual play, free play time). Also pay attention to the environment – does the place seem safe, clean, and cheerful? Are there age-appropriate games and toys located at child-level?
   
• Do children watch T.V., and if so how often and what kind of programs?
  T.V. use should be at a minimum and be educational in nature.
   
• What behavior management strategies do you use (for example, if a child hits another or is uncooperative)?
  The program should have a clear discipline policy that promotes children’s self esteem and encourages the development of self-control skills. Harsh practices, including physical punishment, should be avoided.

Tips to Help You Choose
(from Child Care Resource Center)

• Save yourself frustration by taking the time now to do a careful child care search.
   
• Make your goal to find the best quality of child care for your child and consider both center and home-based care.
   
• Visit the child care program for at least an hour, visit more than once, and visit with and without your child.
   
• Ask for a tour of the program so you can see where children will eat, sleep, and play.
   
• Ask for references of families who have used the program.
   
• Be sure to understand anything you sign and get a copy.
   
• Ask for a copy of the program’s philosophy or purpose.
   
• Have a backup plan for child care in case your needs or the care changes.
   
• Always pay attention to the signals your child is giving you.
   
• To check on licensing rules, program status or file complaints, call the Virginia Department of Social Services at 540-857-7920.