The Affairs Organizer Blog

Below is an excerpt from Sue Shellenbarger’s 09/22/2009 WSJ “Work & Family” column, in which she answers an inquiry about finding high-quality child care:

“A useful checklist of qualities to look for in high-quality child care can be found at ChildCareAware.org by clicking on “Parents,” then “Site Map,” and finally “Evaluating a Provider.”

The state-funded child-care resource and referral agency that serves your county (Riverside, Calif.) employs counselors who can answer your questions and provide free referrals to state-licensed providers near your home or work, says Jill Johnson, coordinator of the agency, part of the Children and Family Services unit at the Riverside County Office of Education. They can send you a handout about what to look for in quality child care, Ms. Johnson says. These referral agencies can be found almost anywhere in the U.S. by searching at ChildCareAware.org by ZIP Code, or by calling 800-424-2246.

Before signing up, ask to see the facility’s license and health and safety documents …   Perhaps most important, trust your instincts. Observe classrooms, and take note of whether teachers seem to really like the children; behave in a nurturing, responsive way; create a positive emotional climate; and seem willing to communicate with parents. Beyond safety and cleanliness, research shows the central element of good child care is the relationship between caregivers and each child … child-care centers in (Riverside, Calif.) are accredited for high quality by the National Association for the Education of Young Children; find them at naeyc.org.”