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Tips For Parents on Choosing Quality School Age Child Care Programs |
Options
- Is there a program that operates in the school? Is there space available?
- Is there home based care or a family member available near the school?
- Is there a program in a centre that provides transportation?
- Do you need care every day, on PA/PD days, March break, over the summer, or just once in a while?
Program
- Is programming geared towards older children with a club like atmosphere?
- Do the children have choices in activities and help plan these activities? (i.e. arts & crafts)
- Do they have an opportunity to relax and a place to sit quietly, or a place to do homework if they so choose?
- Is there active time? (i.e. sports, running games, etc.)
- What kinds of outdoor activities are offered? (i.e. nature walks, time in a park etc.)
- Are t.v. /movies/video games/computers monitored and limited?
- If there are extra school activities after school (i.e. choir, sports, and clubs), are the children allowed to participate with the parent's permission?
- Is there specific programming and space for the older (10-12) age group?
- What outings do the children go on, what is the ratio, and is lunch provided on PA days or for Holiday Programs?
Staff
- Do the staff have specialized training and experience for school aged children?
- Do the staff show respect for the children's needs and ideas?
- Do the children feel welcome and that they belong?
- Do the staff use positive behavior management and talk with the children in a caring manner?
- Are there volunteers? Who are they and how often do they come? What sort of things do they do?
- What is the child/staff ratio in the program? On field trips?
Health/Safety
- Is attendance taken daily when the children arrive and depart?
- Are the children supervised at all times?
- What types of snacks are there? Can special dietary needs be met?
- What is the policy if my child needs medication?
- What is the sunscreen policy for outdoor time?
For further information on child care in Peel, please call: Information Peel 905-890-9432 In Caledon: 1-888-836-5550
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