No child care program is more important than the care a parent gives. On the other hand, a quality child care program can provide your child with a solid foundation to lead a happy and successful life.  We have a few tips on what to look for in a quality preschool program.

Lucy Reyes’ search for a preschool for her son, Matthew was a walk in the park. She had an accredited preschool all lined up. “I was here 10 years ago and now my daughter’s 11, so I came back here to enroll my son and I see the same teachers that were here 10 years ago.  So, that is important to me.”  Lucy enrolled Matthew at Parlier Migrant Head Start and is a frequent visitor.

We spoke with Janie Molina, Center Director for The Parlier Migrant Head Start, about quality child care programs.  Janie says, “Parents, when they are looking for quality programs, they need to look at the interaction with the children from the teachers; and not just the teachers.  Also look at the staff that works here:  the cooks, the bus drivers, the janitors.  They’re all part of the program.”

We asked Janie and Summer Gonzales, Education Manager for Fresno County Migrant Head Start, to list a few tips for parents when looking for quality child care.

The Search for Quality Child Care

1 - Visit many different centers
Summer’s advice for parents is to visit many childcare centers to get a feel for which center will work best for your child and your family.

2 - Advocate for the child
Summer says it’s very important for parents to make time to talk to the director and observe the classrooms. Be sure to ask what type of curriculum they provide and if their teachers are qualified.

3 - Make frequent visits
A parent should always feel welcome whenever they go to any childcare or any home day care.  Janie says they need to be able to walk in the center or the home at any time of the day.

4 - Qualified teachers
“Having qualified or over-qualified teaching staff that is loving and nurturing and that are there because they want to be is key,” says Summer.  In addition, having the same teachers in a program year after year provides the primary caregivers a connection with a child.

5 - Health and safety
Another element of quality is a attention to health and safety such as frequent hand washing by the children and the staff.  Also, frequent health and safety checks inside and out on the playground as well as inside the classroom is critical.

Summer points out, “There is a correlation between quality preschool and getting ready for kindergarten. “Research states that children going into kindergarten will have a much more successful year to be able to make friends; be able to do all of the work that is involved and have the confidence to go to the first grade, if that child has had close personal relationships and bonds with their preschool teacher.”

So, as you decide on a child care program, remember to think about what you saw at each center, and make the best choice for your child and your family.

Looking for Child Care?
We're Here to Help!