How to Find High-Quality Child Care

Decades of research shows that high-quality child care supports the cognitive, social, intellectual and language development of young children. Poor-quality care may actually cause harm.

But what is quality care? In Ontario, child care is offered in regulated or unregulated settings but it’s up to parents to choose a setting that best suits their family’s needs.

Unregulated care, provided by a nanny or relative is very common and suits many families. However, parents must take full responsibility for monitoring the quality and health and safety of the care.

The Ontario Ministry of Education is in charge of monitoring and licensing regulated centre-based and home child-care settings. The regulations represent a minimum standard and it’s up to parents to find out whether the setting meets or goes beyond those standards and whether it suits the needs of their own children.

Here are some key points to consider when looking for child care:

Setting

Some children prefer a more intimate, home setting where the provider may share the family’s language and culture and may offer flexible schedules to accommodate parents. Other families prefer a centre-based program with more children and staff. Many centre-based programs are located in schools and offer seamless transitions for before and after school care.

Program

High-quality programs are based on well-documented research about child development. Ask providers to describe their approach to working with and caring for children. Do they follow a program based on research evidence? Does the program suit your child’s needs?  What is the daily routine? Do the children look happy and active? How does the program include children with diverse needs and abilities, and religious and cultural beliefs?

Policies & Procedures

It’s important to find out the details about how a program operates. What is the program’s approach to payment, billing, sick days, PA days, vacation, and family discounts?

Can the centre or home accept fee subsidies? Are policies clearly listed in a program guide? How do written policies describe the program’s approach to diversity and social inclusion?

Health, Safety & Good Hygiene

Regulated child care providers must meet minimum standards of health and safety. Do the child-care rooms look clean and in good repair? Are exits, stairs, and windows secure and safe? Do caregivers and children wash hands before meals and after toileting and diapering? Are toys cleaned regularly? Are there clear routines for emergencies?

Nutrition

Are meals and snacks appealing and suitable for your children? Are menus posted? How are allergies and religious and cultural practices accommodated?

Environment, Equipment, Materials

Children need a range of different activities and a variety of toys and materials. Is there a range of age-appropriate, stimulating materials and equipment to engage different interests?

How is diversity in racial, ethnic, gender and ability represented in program materials and included in programming? Is there space for different kinds of play activities, outdoor play and quiet time?

Staff

Staff should have some training and experience working with children. Many centres and home child care programs provide ongoing training, resources and consulting services to support their staff. What training and experience do they have? Are there adequate numbers of staff to care for the children? In a centre, what is the turnover rate? Are they warm and responsive to children? What supports do they have to deal with problems or children with special needs?

Family Involvement

How do providers communicate and interact with parents and family members?

Visit a number of child care settings to see what suits you and your child best. Take a list of questions and find out what they offer. For more information see the Finding Quality Child Care website.

Diane Daley is the Director, Development and Programs at non-profit organization Family Day, serving the Greater Toronto Area.

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