Apple Magazine - Healthy Children

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.