Childcare for your kids
Finding the right care is a matter of knowing your family’s needs
It’s one of the tougher
decisions parents face: finding
childcare.
Putting your child in the care of
others requires an enormous amount
of trust and faith. A little research
can go a long way to making sure
you get peace of mind and your child
gets support and understanding
during his crucial early years. Alberta
has plenty of options: daycare
programs, preschool programs, out-of-school care and approved family
day homes.
With more than 96 per cent
of programs accredited and all
programs with seven or more
children licensed, reputable
programs are the norm, says Leann
Wagner, senior manager of the Child
Development branch of Alberta
Children and Youth Services.
For many families, the biggest
challenge is finding a program that
matches their individual needs. With
more than 70 per cent of all Alberta
children under the age of six in
childcare, those needs can
vary widely.
“Some parents want a place that
focuses on recreation, while for
others nutrition is important, and
then some want childcare near
work or close to home,” explains
Sandra Beckman, executive director
of Accreditation of Early Learning
and Care Services, which assesses
the quality standards of childcare
programs and facilities. Beckman
recommends making a list of
your priorities. Then begin your
raisingchildren.alberta.ca websites
offer a variety of resources.
Neighbours and friends can also
give recommendations.
One of the best ways to understand
what a childcare program offers is
to visit it. “Experience the space and
vibe,” Beckman says.
It’s important to feel comfortable
with the operation. Try to get a feel
for a typical day. You may even want
to take your child with you on a visit
to see how he likes the people and
surroundings.
Waiting lists are common with
some programs, so Beckman suggests
once you find one you like, sign up
well in advance and keep in touch to
show your interest.
— Cassandra Hough
Putting your child in the care of childcare professionals requires trust and faith.