When you start your search for child care, it's a good idea to call the child care providers you are considering and ask them a few questions.
The answers to these questions can help you choose the places you want to visit.
- How does the agency choose providers?
- What happens when providers are sick?
- Do providers have special training?
- What is the agency's philosophy or approach when working with providers?
- Do providers encourage parents to drop in?
- What hours of care are available? Are they flexible?
- How many children do providers accept?
- How old are the children?
- How soon is care available?
- What is the cost of care? Are there any additional charges? Is there a charge when children are sick or away on holiday? Is there an application fee?
- Is fee subsidy available?
- What are your hours?
- How old are the children you care for?
- How many children are in a group?
- How many staff members care for each group?
- What training do the staff have?
- Can the centre accommodate the special needs of children?
- Are parents encouraged to drop in?
- What is the cost? Are there any additional charges? Is there a charge when children are sick or away on holiday? Is there an application fee?
- Is fee subsidy available?
- Do you have a waiting list?
- Are meals and snacks nutritious?
- What are the hours?
- How many children are in a group?
- How many staff members care for each group?
- What training and experience do staff have?
- Are parents encouraged to drop in?
- Can children choose to do homework?
- What is the relationship between the program and the school?
- Can children participate in after-school activities and still be monitored by the child care program?
- Is transportation provided if children have to travel a distance to and from school?
- What happens when a child does not arrive at the centre at the expected time?
- What is the cost? Are there any additional costs? Is there a charge when children are sick or away on holiday? Is there an application fee?
- Is there a waiting list?
