Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make, but all too often they must rely on word-of-mouth. ChildSavers, your local child care Resource and Referral organization, helps parents take the guesswork out of choosing care. By giving parents referrals to trusted local child care providers, information on state licensing requirements, availability of child care subsidies, and other pertinent information. ChildSavers provides guidance by phone, in person, and via the Internet, tailored to the needs of each individual family.

Before you search our online childcare provider database, please take some time to review the Choosing Quality Childcare checklist below to help you choose a care provider.

General questions:

• Would I trust this person to care for my child?
• Will my child be comfortable and happy in this setting?
• Have I examined the policies and do they fit with my needs and the needs of my child?
• Does my child need to be transported?
• If the provider smokes, is that a problem for my child or me?
• How much television do I want my child to watch?
• What types of programs do I want him/her to watch?
• Has my child had a chance to visit the child care setting?

Does the provider:

• Appear patient and friendly?
• Encourage parents to observe, discuss policies, make suggestions and participate in the program?
• Seem to be someone your child will enjoy being with?
• Seem to enjoy her work?
• Understand what children can and want to do at different stages of growth?
• Have methods of dealing with behaviors that agree with your own?
• Seem to have enough time to look after all the children in her care?
• Show an interest in your child, family and your expectations?
• Appear organized and provide a routine and rules that children can understand and follow?
• Have previous experience/training in working with children?
• Have other people who will be caring for your child?
• Make arrangements when she has an emergency that takes her away from the children?

Does the setting:

• Have a safe outdoor play area and equipment?
• Have a safe, clear area where in­fants can crawl?
• Provide enough space for napping and appropriate surfaces (e.g., cribs, cots, mats)?
• Have locked storage for medications, poisons, cleaners, guns, weapons and ammunition?
• Have working smoke detectors?
• Have pets? If so, are they vaccinated? Do they appear to be well cared for?
• Have at least two approved exits from child care areas?
• Have enough space indoors and out so all children can move freely and safely?
• Have enough furniture, play things and other equipment for all children to be individually involved?
• Have equipment and materials that are suitable for the ages of the children?
• Have a clean, safe place to change diapers?

Do activities include:

• Creative experiences such as dramatic play, music, reading and art activities?
• Transportation (if needed) with appropriate seat belts and car seats?
• Adequate supervision at all times children are in care?
• Toys and play equipment that are right for each child's age and stage of development?
• Washing hands after diapering, toileting, and before preparing and eating food?
• Enough caregivers/teachers to give individual attention to all children?
• Nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day?
• Quiet and active play, indoors and outdoors?
• A schedule that meets young children's needs for routine, but is flexible enough to met the needs of each child?

Download the following Virginia Department of Social Services documents for more in depth information on selecting a quality child care provider:

Choosing Quality Child Care Brochure (2-page brochure in PDF format)

Choosing Quality Child Care Manual (31-page manual in PDF format)

For more on the child care Resource and Referral service provided by ChildSavers, contact Lisa Thompson at (804) 644-9590, ext. 3018 or lthompson@childsavers.org. If you are interested in conducting a web-based child care referral search, click on the following link:

Search Online Providers Now

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