News Release: For Immediate Release

www.bbbhou.org * bbbinfo@bbbhou.org * Council of BBBs: www.bbb.org *
24-Hour Information: 713-868-9500, 877-468-9222 (from area code 409 only)

Selecting Quality Child Care

First, consider your options. There are significant variations in the types of child care programs available. Do you prefer a child care center or a private home? Referrals are usually available through city, county or state government agencies, or through local church, school or civic organizations. Also, you should ask friends, colleagues and neighbors for the names of child care facilities they recommend.

Make preliminary screening of caregivers or facilities by phone. Find out how the staff is selected, what credentials they're required to have, and what is the rate of staff turnover. What are the child-adult ratios? Does the facility meet local and state regulations? Is there adequate safety equipment, such as fire alarms and first aid equipment? Is there adequate space inside and outdoors for children to play? Is the day care provider licensed?

Determine if the fees fit your budget. Some facilities offer financial assistance or fees based on a sliding scale. A facility that opens early, closes late, or is available on weekends, may charge extra for such convenience.

Plan one or more visits to the facility. Look around at the rooms and the children. Do the children look happy and actively involved? Observe how the care giver interacts with the children. Be wary if you are discouraged from dropping in once your child is enrolled. Ask for the names of at least three parents whose children are enrolled in their program. Call these parents and discuss their feelings about the quality of care and their child's experiences at the center. Call the BBB at 713-868-9500 or 1-800-275-3626 (from area code 409) for reports on centers you are considering. Contact the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Child Care Licensing Division for specific information about licensing requirements.

After you have made your choice, arrange to have your child spend part of the day in the center or home. Be sure that the care giver can easily contact you during this "trial period." Then discuss your child's experience with the care giver or center personnel.

Once your child is attending, be alert to his or her reaction to the facility and the care givers. Keep in touch with the situation by periodically calling and visiting the care giver or the child care center to see how your child is doing. Getting to know the staff will enable you to develop a good working relationship with them.

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