Steps To Choosing Quality Child Care

• 1. Think about what you value in child care and the kind of care you want for your child
• 2. Interview the provider or program staff
• 3. Observe the child care environment and get a feel for the provider and the program
• 4. Talk to other parents who have used the provider or the program - Ask for references

Some Guidlines to Consider

• Every family is different. Look at what your family values and what you believe are critical issues
• Each child is different and has his/her own needs
• Your child’s needs change as he/she grows and develops
• Flexibility is important for both you and your child
• This is an important service for your family. You need to develop a good relationship of trust and strong communication with your child’s care provider
• Make a list to use as your basis of what qualities you would like to see in a child care provider, ie. relaxed, gentle, flexible, empathetic

A Quality Caregiver

• Has a warm personality, enjoys and values children
• Is attentive to your child’s smiles as well as cries
• Relates to your child as a unique individual and encourages growth towards independence
• Understands the ages & stages of child development
• Is flexible, patient and understanding
• Has a child rearing philosophy compatible with your own
• Plays with your child and provides a variety of play experiences
• Trusts and values parents suggestions, because parents understand the needs of their own children
• Sees training and growth as a continual process

A Quality Environment

• Is Safe for children regardless of their mobility
• Has a pleasant, comfortable and clean atmosphere
• Offers a variety of age appropriate materials and play spaces to promote your child’s development
• Values play that is child directed instead of adult directed
• Has a variety of toys, books and materials that are in good condition
• Offers opportunities for creative activities and exploration
• Has space available for quiet time or naps
• Maintains sanitary conditions for food preparations, diaper changes and bathroom facilities

A free community service with information to assist parents in understanding the various child care options.

The Child Care Information Exchange offers parents information on:
• Over 100 informal home child care providers listed in the Peterborough area
• Supervised home child care agencies serving the Peterborough area
• Child Care Centres, Nursery Schools, and School-Age Programs
• Take me there!

We Provide:
• Information on Child Care fees, Child Care Centre locations, and Child Care Centre space availability
• Answers to the many questions parents while finding quality child care
• Answers to the questions parents have while their child is in care.

Daily fees for informal home child care
• Infant: $25-40/day
• Toddler: $25-35/day
• Preschool: $25-35/day
• School-age: $25-30/day
• Before/After School: $10-$15/day

Daily fees for licensed child care
• Infant: $27-42/day
• Toddler: $26-35.55/day
• Preschool: $25-32/day
• School-age: $24-32/day
• Before/After School: $10-15/day
• Nursery School: $10-16.00/day

*Please note that daily rates will vary from centre to centre

A mother's return to work after the birth of a baby can be difficult. It takes time to adjust to being a new mother and to becoming comfortable with your baby. Too often, just as this is happening, it is time to go back to work. Parents find themselves having to balance their personal needs with their baby's needs, and their need to nurture and be with their baby with the need to work.

As a working parent, one of the most important relationships you will have is the one with your child's caregiver. When you choose a caregiver, you are not just buying a service - you are choosing a partner to help raise and care for your child. This partnership must be based on mutual respect, trust and on-going communication. By working together, you and your caregiver will be able to achieve your common goal - meeting the child's physical, mental and emotional needs.