Steps to Choosing Quality Child Care

Research tells us that young children between the ages of birth through five years of age who receive quality early care and education are fundamentally more prepared for their futures, specifically school. Early experiences in life, specifically under the age of five, affect the development of the brain and lay the foundation for intelligence, emotional health and moral development throughout these early childhood years.

Therefore, in order for your child to grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult he or she must have the opportunity to develop and learn these skills early in life. Therefore, quality care should give your child warmth, love and guidance by a well trained/informed, healthy and experienced adult. High-quality child care is important in the healthy development of children and preparing them for school. No one has a greater impact on the quality of care than the people who work daily with our children.

In order to make the best choice you will need more information on the following:

• Licensing and Accreditation
• Child Care Options
• Paying for Child Care
• Locating and Choosing Child Care
• Preparing your Child

Information adapted from Child Care Aware, a program of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and "Choosing Child Care," a resource booklet prepared by the Center on the Family at the University of Hawaii.