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Tips for Choosing Child Care

Tips for Parents from the Child Care Resource Center, Inc.

• Be sure to visit each program.

• Spend time observing and asking questions such as:

  • Is the space child-safe and clean?

  • Do teachers interact with the children in a warm and friendly manner?

  • Is there plenty of opportunity for active play, both indoors and out?

  • Are there enough caregivers in relation to the number and ages of the children?

  • What approach is used regarding discipline?

  • Is there a variety of age-appropriate toys and equipment?

  • Is the sleeping area quiet, but easily observed by the staff?

  • Are infants held while being fed?

  • Do the children look happy and engaged?
    

1 – 800 # to Help Parents Seeking Child Care

The Child Care Resource Center has recently partnered with The Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services to conduct a state-wide advertising campaign.  Along with the help of The Massachusetts Child Care Resource and Referral Network (a non-profit, state-wide network of agencies that help parents find child care) the goal is to make it easier for parents to link with their local referral agency.  To make this possible, the Network has established an 800 number that can put parents in touch with licensed child care professionals near their home or workplace. It’s easy to connect with these free child care referral services by calling 1-800-345-0131. This toll-free service is user-friendly and available 24 hours a day.

Child care resource and referral services ensure that families of all income levels have access to programs. Some agencies can also discuss the types of programs available, provide information about child care subsidies and vouchers, and assist parents in becoming informed about how to identify quality programs.

In order to get this message out, CCRC has partnered with the following advertisers, including:  Callahan Outdoor Advertising and AK Media, for outdoor billboard space; Ad Cart, for shopping cart ads; The Boston Globe; Parent & Baby Journal; Women’s Business Journal; Boston Parent’s Paper; Lifetime cable television station, airing our 1-800  Public Service Announcement during the month of August; along with radio and cable access stations and articles in community papers ¾ all over the state of Massachusetts.

For more information, call The Massachusetts Child Care Resource and Referral Network at: 1-800-345-0131. 

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