As a parent, you are the key to finding quality child care for your child. You have the right to attend the program or visit your child whenever possible to get a good idea of how things are going. Additionally, Kieran's Law allows parents and guardians to access information about New York State criminal records about potential domestic caregivers. When it comes to finding quality child care in Central New York, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your child is in safe and reliable hands.
The first step is to get involved. Attend the program or visit your child whenever possible. This will give you a good idea of how things are going and whether or not the provider is meeting your expectations. Additionally, you can contact your local child care resource and referral agency (R&R) for more information on caregiver training and quality services in early care and education programs. The state Office of Family Services (OCFS) also maintains a toll-free hotline for child care complaints throughout the state, at 1-800-732-5207. This is a great resource if you have any concerns about the quality of care your child is receiving.
All licensed child care programs must be inspected at least once before each license renewal, so make sure to ask about this when evaluating potential providers. When looking for quality care for infants and toddlers, look for a provider who seems to enjoy talking and interacting with your child in a warm and friendly way. Additionally, make sure that the adult-to-child ratio meets the standards established in the regulations. If a child care center is working to obtain accreditation or a staff member is a member of this organization, the provider is more likely to be dedicated to providing good care for your child. The Kieran Act also went into effect in 1998, which allows parents and guardians of children to access information about New York State criminal records about potential domestic caregivers. We recommend that you do your research as thoroughly as possible, so that you can be sure that you have chosen the right child care option. In conclusion, finding quality child care in Central New York requires some effort on your part as a parent.
Get involved by attending programs or visiting your child whenever possible. Contact your local R&R agency for more information on caregiver training and quality services in early care and education programs. Additionally, make sure that all licensed programs are inspected before each license renewal and that the adult-to-child ratio meets standards established in the regulations. Finally, use Kieran's Law to access information about potential domestic caregivers.
