Choosing and Monitoring Your Child’s Day Care Provider

For dual-income career couples who have children, day care is fundamental. In choosing a care provider, parents cross a threshold into a new world of experiences and relationships with their child. Entrance into child day care also requires understanding the serious responsibilities that both parents and day-care providers share regarding the health and welfare of a child.

• Here are some guides for parents in selecting and monitoring day-care operations.
  
• Ask to see the facility's license.
  
• Spot-check the facility for sanitation and safety.
  
• Inquire about management and staff qualifications and experience.
  
• Read all the background information you receive.
  
• In order to see how things work, visit the center several times before enrolling your child.  
  
• Get and stay involved in your child's care.  
  
• Ask your child frequently for comments on his or her experiences.  
  
• Later, make unannounced visits to see your child.  
  
• If you have any concerns, talk to the facility's director.  

Be Vigilant

No matter how carefully a family previews and monitors a day-care facility, problems can always arise. After a six-month-old suffered permanent brain damage, cerebral palsy, and blindness, his mother sued the day-care operator and owner, alleging assault and battery. A jury awarded damages after finding both the owner and operator responsible for the child, who was a victim of shaken baby syndrome.