Click here for a PDF Version of this document to print
Child Care Options
Take the time to think about what kind of child care works best for you. You need to be comfortable with the care your child is receiving. You and your child should feel secure about your child care arrangement!
Parent's Role
call
Call several programs to find out details on cost, hours of operation and location.
visit
Visit at least two programs.
evaluate
use our Quality Indicator Checklist to evaluate the program/provider
monitor
the program/provider while you are making your choice and every day when you drop off and pick up your child.
child care centers
q
provide care in an organized group settingq
plan age-appropriate activitiesq
offer care on a full or part day basisreasons parents choose Child Care Centers
q
centers are dependableq
the reputation of the programq
a school-like environmentlicensing
Licensing sets minimum standards for: health, safety, staff education, staff ratios, program requirements, and nutritious meals Information about licensing can be found at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website at www.odjfs.state.oh.us/cdc/
ask
q
is the center Accredited?q
is it Step Up To Qualitystar rated?
adult-to-child ratios
one adult per maximum number of children
Infants: Birth to 12 months: 1 to 5 12-17 months: 1 to 6
Toddlers: 18-29 months: 1 to 7 30-35 months: 1 to 8
Preschool: 3 to 4 years: 1 to 12 4 to 5 years: 1 to 14
School-age: Kindergarten to 12 years: 1 to 18
family child care
q
provides care for children in the provider's homeq
offers flexibility with schedulesq
can be less expensivereasons parents choose Family Child Care
q
a home-like environmentq
single caregiverq
smaller group sizelicensing
Family Child Care Homes are not licensed by the State of Ohio.
ask
q
is the Family Child Care Provider accredited with the National Association of Family Child Care Providers?adult-to-child ratios
q
Family Child Care Providers can care for up to 6 children at a time. No more than three children may be under two years of age.q
This includes the provider’s own children under the age of 6.
in-home child care
provides care in your home by a live-in or live-out nanny
reasons parents choose in home child care:
q
convenient for the familyq
offers flexibilityq
familiar environmentdisclaimer
Child Care Connection does not endorse, rate, recommend or evaluate child care resources, programs, or providers and therefore, Child Care Connection does not assume, warrant, or guarantee quality care. Any information about a caregiver/provider has been provided solely by that caregiver/provider. Child Care Connection believes that consumers are in the best position to evaluate and choose resources appropriate to their child's needs.
Use Child Care Connection's Quality Indicator checklist to evaluate the environment of child care programs/providers.
