Steps to Choosing Care

Ask. Look. Count. Ask.

Visit and Ask Questions

Call the child care programs that you are interested in. Check with the program that they have a vacancy for your child’s age and that the program is open the hours you need care. Then you will want to schedule a time for a visit. Try and visit as many programs as you can so you can see all the options you have.

During your visit you may want to:

1

Ask

 Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you see all the areas in the program your child will be including the sleeping, outside and eating area. Are the children watched at all times including outside and while they are asleep? Do adults and children wash their hands? Is the play space organized and are materials easy to us? Can your child access toys and materials throughout the day? Are positive behavior guidance techniques used?

Checklists on Choosing Child Care:
2

Look

Spend sometime in the program observing the interactions between caregivers and children. Are the caregivers warm and welcoming? Do caregivers engage in conversation with the children? Do caregivers read to children?
3

Count

Ask how many children there are for each adult (adult/child ratios). You will want to inquire about how much attention you child will get through the day. The fewer children for each adult may be better for your child. Find out how many children are in the group or classroom (group Size). Small groups may be better.
4

Ask

Ask about the caregivers’ training, education and experience. Caregivers with training and/or degrees in working with children may be better able to help your child learn. Check how long caregivers have been providing care at that program. It may be best if your child can stay with the same caregiver at least a year.

Licensing Care Type

There are different types of licensed and regulated child care programs in Utah. Below is information on each type to assist in you making an informed decision.

Licensed Family Child Care means a provider is licensed to do child care in their home. The adult/child ratios are 1 adult to 8 children with no more than 2 children under the age of 2, or 1 adult to 6 children with no more than 3 children under the age of 2. The caregivers own children count in that ratio until they turn 4 years of age. Additional Licensed Family Child Care information.

Residential Certified (RC) means a provider is regulated to do child care in their home. The adult/child ratios are 1 adult to 8 children with no more than 2 children under the age of 2. The caregivers own children count in that ratio until they turn 4 years of age. RC is considered a lower standard than a license because of difference in ratios, group size, caregiver training and outdoor equipment standards. Additional Residential Certified information.

Licensed Child Care Center means childcare provided in a non-residential setting on a regular schedule. The number of children allowed will be determined by the facility's total square footage. Additional Licensed Child Care Center information.

To learn more about other Care Types such as Exempt or Family Friend and Neighbor see additional information for other Care Types.

If You Can’t Find Care

If you are unable to find care on the Care About Childcare website – don’t panic! Your local Care About Childcare Agency can help you in your search. Your Care About Childcare Agency has Referral Counselors who can assist you over the phone. Contact your local Care About Childcare.

Thank you for Caring About Childcare!