Notice to Parents
We are all concerned about your children. All of the providers listed on our
site are dues paying members of the Lakes Area Professional Child Care Association.
LAPCCA does not license, endorse,or recommend any of it's members. All regulated
caregivers meet the minimum standards set forth by the state of Minnesota, but parents
must do their homework. It is your right and obligation to check the provider's
references and license files at the Douglas County Social Services. It is
up to you to do several interviews, ask lots of questions and find the right caregiver
and setting for your child.
Several things will vary from one provider
to another, so visit several to find one that suits your family.
- Provider’s personality
- Discipline and guidance
- Arrangement of home and yard
- Ages of children in care
- Days and hours of operation
- Daily schedule
- Meal times and types of foods
- Supplies provided
- Fees for various activities or supplies
- Pets or no pets
Quality Care Checklist
When interviewing a prospective provider
for your child, and visiting the home, these are some things to look for and questions
to ask.
The Home Environment
- First impression, do you feel comfortable and welcome?
- Is the area clean and free from choking and tripping hazards?
- Is the outdoor play area clean, safe and fenced in?
- How many children are there; do they seem happy?
- Are there any off limits areas?
- Is there an emergency plan in place?
- Do you see current certificates
posted indicating regulated care, training, etc?
The Caregiver
- Does the caregiver seem pleasant and likes the children?
- Does the caregiver greet the children and comfort them when needed?
- What type of education and experience does she have?
- How long has she been doing this type of work?
- Who else will care for your child, (spouse, substitute, etc)?
- Do you agree with her discipline and guidance philosophy?
- Does she welcome parents’ visits?
Activities
- Are there a variety of age appropriate activities available?
- Can the children access them easily on their own?
- Is there a daily balance of activities ranging from quiet to creative to active?
- Is there a set schedule in place that is predictable?
Other things to consider
- What about naptime? When, where, and how long?
- What meals are provided? Does the caregiver participate in a food program?
- Do the hours of operation meet your needs? Is the caregiver flexible?
- Ask to see the most
recent licensing report. Any complaints or citations will be listed. Caregivers
are required to have them available.
- Will your child be happy here?
Red Flags
These are some warning signs that might indicate poor care of children. If
you notice any of these things, be sure to ask the caregiver about it. A quality
care provider will be happy to have you ask many questions.
- Do you get a bad feeling from the caregiver or the environment?
- There’s nothing posted for you to read.
- The place is dirty, toys are broken, food is out, etc.
- There are toys, but not appropriate for the age of your child.
- Most toys are out of the children’s’ reach.
- The caregiver yells at the children.
- The caregiver is not willing to share licensing report with you for some reason.
- No books to be seen.
- Parents not allowed
to visit during the day.
- It seems like there are too many kids.
- The caregiver seems hurried or easily frustrated.
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