SELECTING CARE FOR YOUR CHILD

BY LYNE TREMBLAY, ANDREW FLECK CHILD CARE SERVICES

hen you decide to return to work, leaving a child is probably one of the most difficult experiences you must cope with. Choosing day care is an important decision affecting how you and your child(ren) adjust to the new situation.

"Where do I start?" is one of the questions parents frequently ask themselves. First, know what you want and what options are available to you. There are three types of licensed day care services available in the Ottawa-Carleton region.

1. Licensed Day Care Centre is a facility licensed to serve children of varying ages in a group setting. Provincial licensing ensures minimum standards of care. Centre-based care is offered through public and private for-profit and not-for-profit agencies and can be in a variety of settings - schools, workplaces, etc.
2. Licensed Home-Based Child Care provides care in a caregiver's home, are selected, screened and monitored by a licensed home child care agency. Homes must meet provincial standards.
3. Nursery School programs usually part-time, for children 2 1/2 to 5 years old, provide good socialisation and help them prepare for school.

Home-based child care is available from homes independent of licensed agencies. Parents are responsible for screening and monitoring. Financial subsidies are available through licensed programs only.

Having decided which type of day care meets your requirements (location, affordability and ages accepted), you should arrange to visit.

What will you look for? Licensed Child Care: Making an Informed Choice suggests the following:

• welcoming staff ready to answer your questions completely and openly;
• children who seem happy, enjoying each other's company and playing cooperatively;
• teachers actively involved with children by playing, listening and talking with them;
• opportunities for children to run, climb, play alone or in groups, build, read, listen to music;
• messy activities such as painting, sand and water play;
• individual attention to each child -  hug, smile, help.

Don't be shy about asking questions, you have a right to do so and the information will help you make a decision right for you and your child.

Information on location, cost, hours, ages, language(s) and other details about licensed day care programs is available from Child Care Information, 700 Industrial Avenue, Suite 600, Ottawa.

A free, bilingual telephone information service is available at 736-1913, as well as four bilingual publications.