ZERO TO FIVE IN 60 SECONDS
Quick tips for parents of young children
Look for infant child care before the baby is born
By MARK SULLIVAN, Executive Director, Michigan 4C Association

Q: You just found out you are pregnant. This is your first child, and you will need child care for your baby. What are the different child care options available to you? When should you start looking at child care facilities, and what should you look for?

A: If you lived in Manhattan, it might already be too late! The stories there about finding "the right place" for your child are really frightening. Even in Michigan there are counties with shortages of available places - especially for infants - so you should begin your research two or three months before you will need care. Start by calling 1-866-4CHILDCARE from your home phone. That statewide, toll-free number will connect you to a referral specialist who keeps track of all licensed or registered child care in your area. He or she can give you a list of centers and homes that you can contact, and a brochure describing what you should look for and questions you can ask. You can find regulated care for your child in a center with many other children, in a private home with fewer children, or in your own home. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so consider carefully. Research shows that infants thrive if they are held, talked to, and gently helped to explore their environment by caregivers who form stable relationships with the child. The best way to check that out is to request a visit long enough to observe what the caregiver does in the center or home. In any case, there should be no more than four infants between birth and age three in the care of one adult. The four steps described in more detail in the brochure and on the Web at www.mi4c.org/4stepscc.pdf include:

• Interview possible caregivers - Ask about everything, but don’t forget education and training, because the skill of the caregiver is often an indicator of quality care. A state license or registration is a minimum.
• Check references - Ask other parents how well the caregiver does with their child, and how well the caregiver communicates with them.
• Choose quality - Pick a caregiver who has the skills and interest in meeting the needs of your child and family and your budget.
• Stay involved - Ask for and expect regular conversations about your child with the caregiver.

Save the phone number, 1-866-4CHILDCARE because the Michigan 4C agency you’ve reached has other great resources for parents and child care providers. Don’t hesitate to call and ask about them. The agency trains child care providers, educates parents about raising children, helps find financial resources for child care when families are in great need, and just happens to write this column.