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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