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• Investigate many resources. Your local library is a good place to start.
Childcare Resources (343-7395) is a non-profit organization that lists
openings in family day care centers for 29 communities. They can also
provide information on in-home and center based care.

• Ask fellow workers and friends about who takes care of their children.

They can give you first hand information based on actual experience.
• Make two lists, one for the things you want, another for the things you

need. For example, you may want a program that encourages
creativity; you may need a center that provides transportation.
• Narrow down your list of requirements on the telephone, asking only
basic information. Save important questions for a face-to-face

interview.

• Make appointments before you visit, to be sure that the director (or
person who will care for your child) will set aside time for just you.

• When you visit the place, relax and rely on your senses, and your

^ intuition. This is thetime to "fine tune" your sensory equipment. Look!

Listen! Smell! Touch! Your decision should be influenced by what you
observe. Look to see that the children are happy, healthy, safe and
having FUN.

^ • Remember you are looking for a replacement for yourself. Thequalities

you may be looking for are:
" personal appearance
• physical health and stamina

^ • educational background
• imagination and creativity

• affection

• ability to exercise good judgment
^ • experience

• enthusiasm

• reliability and responsibility
• empathy
m Be sure to ask for a copy of their rules, menu and activity plan. Last of all, drop
in briefly, unexpectedly to compare the activity seen at your planned visit with the
activity of the average day. Be sure to discuss medical problems (if any) of your
child and give instructions on what to do if the child becomes ill. See if your
ffn "replacement" will be comfortable with this. Also discuss pick-up authorizations,
field or car trips and photographs. Remember, you may share the responsibility
for the care of your child with trusted "others", but you never relinquish your role
as the parent. It is important to choose someone who will respect your wishes
and also important that you respect the person who will be caring for your child.

Please refer to Section IX References - Books and Websites for more

information on daycare and child care.

pn G. Pre-School
Although not essential, preschool can be very beneficial to some children in
developing social and academic readiness skills. As with daycare it is important
to investigate the various preschool and Headstart programs in your community.

« For questions about Headstart eligibility call (978)343-0185, or 1-800-523-6373.

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