Colorado Springs
Child Care
Information Guide
Prepared by
The Canadian Military Family Resource Centre
Updated
February 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page ………………………………………………………………..
Page 1
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………..
Page 2
Introduction Letter …………………………………………………………
Page 3
Family Care Plan ……………………………………………………...
Page 4
Peterson Air Force Base ………………………………………………….
Page 5
Air Force Academy…………………………. …………………………….
Page 11
Pikes Peak Library District Child Care Providers……………………….
Page 14
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region………………………………………….
Page 15
Child Care Resource Links…………………………………………………
Page 16
Recommended by Canadians in Colorado Springs…………………….
Page 17
Military Foreign Service Instructions, Daycare Assistance…………….
Page 18
Choosing Quality Child Care………………………………………………
Page 19
2
Dear Military Member and Family,
This guide is meant to be a starting point in your search for child care information for
Colorado Springs. We do our best to ensure the information is as up to date and
accurate as possible however we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. With this in mind
please ensure you contact the appropriate authorities for the child care to verify
information. It is our hope that this guide will open the door to information required to
help your families’ transition easier.
We, at the Canadian Military Family Resource Centre, wish to provide whatever
information and guidance within our means so that your family will have the best start
possible here in Colorado Springs. If there are any comments or questions, please do
not hesitate to call our office at 719-556-9269 or 719-556-6551.
Sincerely,
Your Canadian Military Family Resource Centre
3
FAMILY CARE PLAN
Administered by local units, the Family Care Plan (FCP) is designed to ensure that all
CF members have a plan in place to care for the family in the event of either an
emergency callout or planned deployment. The form is designed to assist members in
creating their Family Care Plan and ensure they consider all the people for whom
financial, health care, family or other support is normally provided. The FCP is not a
legally binding contract but rather an exchange of information between the member and
the CO, designed to assist in improving individual and unit operational effectiveness.
ALL CF MEMBERS MUST COMPLETE THE FCP FORM DND 2267.
The Family Care Plan:
 is kept on the member’s personal file
 is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act
 makes Commanding Officers aware of any potential difficulties members may
encounter when faced with a deployment.
Members should:
 review and amend their FCP when
 initially reporting to their new unit;
 their family situation changes; and
 during the deployment preparation process.
 Indicate whether they intend to share their plan with the local CMFRC.
4
Child Care Options in Colorado Springs
Finding the right kind of child care for your child is among the most important decisions
you will make as a parent. To assist you in making a selection, the following information
is provided. In the end, the most important factor is that you feel secure and comfortable
with your decision.
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE
www.21svs.com
Peterson AFB offers many different options for child care. Their primary goal is to
provide a safe, nurturing environment that will foster your child's growth and self-esteem.
They have two Child Development Centers on Peterson AFB. The Main Child
Development Center, Bldg 1350, is the larger of the two and offers infant through
preschool care. The Annex Child Development Center, Bldg 1525, offers a smaller
facility for pre-toddler through preschool child care. They are continually striving to
provide the highest quality of child care for the children. Throughout this growing
process, it is encouraged that parents take an active role in the program. Parents are a
vital link to the success of the program and the children's experiences in the Child
Development Program. Parents are invited to visit with the staff and spend time with
their children at the centers.
Immunization Requirements
All children must have current immunizations in order to be enrolled at the Child
Development Center.
Accreditation Information
The Peterson Child Development Program is certified through the Department of
Defense Child Development Services and is accredited by the National Academy of
Early Childhood Programs. Certification and accreditation are earned by high quality
child care centers that provide a safe environment as well as developmentally
appropriate curriculum.
5
The Child Development Program provides meals and snacks throughout the day. The
guidelines established by the USDA Child and Adult Food Program ensure that the
meals and snacks meet nutritional requirements for each particular age group of children
in care. A four-week cycle menu is followed to allow variety in foods served. The menus
are posted in the reception area. Children who are on a special diet or who are allergic
to a particular food item, such as milk products, must bring a note from a physician
explaining the requirements of the child's diet and approved substitutes. Meals are
served family style. For infant meal patterns, please see the staff in the child’s room.
Times of Meal Service
Breakfast
0800 - 0830
Lunch
1100 – 1130
Snack
1400 – 1430
PM Snack
1700 - 1730
Any food that is served to the children must be purchased and prepared by the Child
Development Program. Children should not bring drink or food to eat into the program.
This is an environmental health sanitation and safety measure as well as an AFI 24-248
policy to protect the children.
Waiting List Information
Unfortunately, there are occasions when the demand for child care exceeds the capacity
of the facilities. A waiting list is the best way to keep track of those families who request
care in our program. The staff of the Child Development Program will assist you in your
search for child care in the event immediate placement in the Child Development
Program is not possible. Each Child Development Center maintains a current list of all
licensed and affiliated Family Child Care providers. Program staff can assist you with
reviewing the list, and the Family Child Care Coordinator can provide you with individual
assistance. Please contact the Coordinator at 556-4322.
Fees and Charges
Members must bring in to the Main CDC their pay statement and their spouses pay
statement in order to determine fees. Depending on your family income the fees range
from a weekly fee of $62 to $127.
Main Child Development Center
Peterson's Main Child Development Center, Bldg 1350, offers full-day and hourly child
care for children six weeks through 5 years. The center has 21 classrooms and provides
care to 254 children. The Main CDC is located near the Shoppette and Bldg 1. The
hourly child care is based on space availability.
Hours of Operation
The Child Development Program operates Monday - Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The program observes all federal holidays and will be closed accordingly. Emergency
closings due to base closure or inclement weather will be at the discretion of the
Installation Commander. Parents may be called if an emergency arises.
6
The Child Development Program is designed to provide care for children on a weekly or
hourly basis. Children can attend the center for a maximum of ten hours in one day. The
Mission Support Group Commander may grant an exception to the ten-hour limit if valid
sponsor commitment requires longer care hours. This is approved on a case-by-case
basis. However, approval for extended hours does not negate the hourly fee charged for
care beyond fifty hours per week. All children must be picked up by 6:00 p.m.
Alert Status Care
In order to meet the demands of military families, the Child Development Program does
provide extended care during alert hours, such as for exercises or recalls when notified
by the Installation Commander. The extended hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. to 7:00
p.m. Children will be permitted to stay beyond the ten-hour daily limit. However, the
applicable hourly rate for child care will apply. We request that parents give notification
of intended use as soon as possible to ensure adequate staffing.
Ages Served
All children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years whose parents or legal guardians
are either active duty military, DoD civilian personnel paid with either APF or NAF,
reservists on active duty or during inactive duty training, and DoD contractors are eligible
to enroll in the Child Development Program. This includes all CF members.
Contact Information
For information on placement in the Child Development Center, please call 719 5567460.
The director for the Main Child Development Center can be reached at 719 554-9572.
The assistant director for the program can be reached at 719 554-9573.
7
Annex Child Development
The Annex Child Development Center, Bldg 1525, offers full-day and hourly child care
for children 12 months through 5 years. This center has 6 classrooms and provides care
to 96 children. The Annex CDC is located across the street from the Chapel and the
Youth Center.
Hourly Care Information
The program is able to offer hourly care to eligible patrons. Hourly care is designed to
provide intermittent child care for families who may have a medical appointment, want to
work out at the Fitness Center, or want to have some time to themselves. Both Child
Development Centers offer hourly care; however, they do not offer hourly care for infants
between 6 weeks and 6 months as this type of care is a very difficult adjustment for the
infants.
Making reservations for hourly care is simple. Reservations are accepted on a first come
first served basis. Parents may make reservations at either Child Development Center.
The phone number for the Main Child Development Center is 719 554-9572 or 719 5549573. The phone number for the Annex Child Development Center is 719 556-7460.
Parents may make reservations up to 30 days in advance. Reservations for hourly care
for a medical appointment will be accepted anytime after the appointment is established.
There is a two hour minimum for hourly care reservations.
Parents are encouraged to bring their child in either before or after lunch or after
naptime. Children who arrive at the center during lunch and naptime often have a hard
time adjusting to the Child Development Center because the other children are resting.
If the hourly care spaces are unavailable, parents may choose to be placed on a waiting
list. The Child Development Center staff will call families on the waiting list in the order
received if a space becomes available.
The Child Development Center staff can answer any additional questions regarding our
hourly care program.
Give Parents a Break
The Give Parents a Break (GPAB) program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society and is
designed to provide relief for active duty Air Force parents who are experiencing stress
in their lives. This could be related to the military member being deployed or TDY, an
emergency situation such illness of a family member, the family recently moving to the
base, unique circumstances or hardships or having difficulties just being a parent. A
referral certificate is required for participation in the program. Agencies who can refer
families to the GPAB program include the Squadron Commander or First Sergeant,
doctor or other medical professional, Family Support personnel, Life Skills personnel, a
chaplain, or a member of the Child Development Center or Youth Center staff.
8
The Child Development Program supports the Give Parents a Break program by offering
care on one Friday evening each month. Children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5
years will attend the Main Child Development Center. Reservations are on a first come
first served basis. Parents may make reservations up to 30 days prior to the session;
however, reservations will not be accepted after the Wednesday prior to the session.
Parents may call the Main Child Development Center at 554-9572 for reservations or
more information.
Family Child Care
Family Child Care (FCC) offers families an alternative to center-based child care. FCC
providers open their homes to care for children from other families. Far from a
babysitting service, FCC providers offer a home-like atmosphere and small groups for
children. Providers will interact with them with open affection and respect. They will
encourage the children's development and provide a friendly, warm, nurturing
environment
Contact Information: Coordinator 556-4322
Location Bldg 1465
Office Hours
The Family Child Care office is open daily from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There may be
occasions when the coordinator is not in the office but in the providers' homes. A
member of the FCC staff will be available in the office daily from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. to
assist parents. A listing of all licensed or affiliated FCC providers is available in a
mailbox outside the FCC office or at both of the Child Development Centers, the Youth
Center and various other base locations.
Information For Parents
Now, you can trust your children to the responsible, safe, supportive care that thousands
of other Air Force families have discovered - Peterson Family Child Care (FCC). FCC
offers in-home care for your children ages 2 weeks to 12 years in the housing of active
duty military personnel or affiliated providers. FCC is offered on an hourly, part-day or
full-day basis. It can help you in the event that your child is ill or has other special needs.
It's available for deployments, exercises and extended duty hours. In short, it's
everything you need to make sure your children have everything they need.
9
FCC providers must meet stringent requirements. They are required to be over 18 years
of age, able to read and speak English, and in good mental and physical health. They
also must pass a comprehensive background check (including family members) and
complete a basic orientation program prior to licensing. Additionally, within the first 18
months of licensing, providers must complete 15 Air Force standardized training
modules equating to approximately 60 hours of training. Finally, to ensure your peace of
mind, they are required to complete additional training each year. This is similar to the
training required of child development center employees.
When you leave your child in the home of a FCC provider, you can be sure that it is fullyequipped for your child's physical safety. That's because the FCC program lends
providers important child safety items. That's in addition to monthly home visits to ensure
that every provider is consistently maintaining all safety standards. In addition to child
safety items, the FCC program lends providers a wide range of developmentally
appropriate educational materials and supplies for infants through school-aged children.
Finally, but most importantly of all, you can be sure your children will receive the
attention and support they need when you leave them in a FCC home.
Make sure your child has the safe, secure supportive care that you need him or her to
have. Place them in a stimulating in-home environment that will provide them with the
nurturing and developmental materials and interactions they need to thrive.
Open Recreation at the Youth Center
Youth over 9 year old can join the Youth Center for an annual membership fee of $35.
The Youth Center offers many activities, including billiards, video games, membership
clubs and the opportunity to meet new friends. For more information call 719 556-7220
For more information on child care options available at Peterson Air Force Base
log on to www.21svs.com
10
AIR FORCE ACADEMY
WWW.USAFASERVICES.COM
U.S. Air Force Academy Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC provides available, affordable and quality child care. Managed by the 10th
Services Division at the Academy, the CDC has always provided essential services.
Child Development Services provides activities for hourly, part-day and full-day services
based on local needs and capabilities. Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of military and
DOD civilians may use the center according to Air Force Instruction 34-248. Children 6
weeks through 6 months are eligible only for regular weekly care to reduce exposure
time of infants to communicable diseases.
Accreditation
The CDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC). Accreditation involves all aspects of the program in a continual selfevaluation and improvement process. The results of these efforts are verified by
assessors from NAEYC. This ensures that highest quality early childhood programming,
which is required by the Military Child Care Act of 1989. Parents are an important part of
the accreditation process, as they provide assessment information about each child and
constructive feedback on the operation of the program. Annual surveys are conducted
with parents in addition to daily informal and semi-formal conferences.
Meals and Snacks
All meals and snacks meet the requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Breakfast, lunch and two snacks are offered daily.
Breakfast is served from 8 – 8:30a.m., lunch is served from 11 – 11:30a.m., afternoon
snack is served at 2 p.m. and late afternoon snack is served at 5 p.m.
Meals and snack periods are conducted in such a way as to contribute to the children’s
overall development. Meals are served with time for socializing. Children are
encouraged to set tables, serve themselves and participate in cleanup. Assistance is
offered to them if needed. Foods are not used as a punishment or reward.
Rest Period
The program includes a reasonably regular routine with play, eating, resting, and
protection from excessive fatigue and overstimulation. Supervised rest periods shall be
one half hour or longer for all children under 5 years of age who attend the center for 6
hours or more per day. All children in the center during the regular scheduled rest
period may rest or play quietly.
Admission Policy
The CDC is governed by AFI 34-248. Before a child’s first admission, a parent or
sponsor must present the child’s immunization records (not to be kept in the center) and
complete and sign an AF Form 1181.
The signature on the AF 1181 authorizes emergency medical care if the child has an
accident or becomes ill during their stay and the parents cannot be located.
11
Children may not remain in the center more than 10 consecutive hours under normal
circumstances.
Children must be accompanied by their parent or person authorized by the parent for
admittance to the CDC. Parents, who wish to have someone else to pick up their child,
must write the name of the authorized person on AF 1181. Permission over the phone is
not accepted.
All parents whose children will eat at the center are required to complete a CACFP fool
program application and income eligibility form.
Parents and children are not allowed to bring food into the center. Holidays and
birthdays are encouraged to be celebrated with non-food fun.
Every child must have a change of clothing that is to be used for emergencies. All
clothing must be marked with the child’s name.
An adequate supply of disposable diapers must be supplied daily for children that are
not toilet trained.
For infants, adequate formula must be prepared in bottles and supplies fresh daily.
Parents must supply sufficient numbers of clean bottles and nipples each day.
Bringing toys from home is not encouraged on a regular basis. Exceptions will be
blankets or “soothers” for rest time. Toys that promote violence are not allowed in the
center. Toys need to be labeled with the child’s name. The center is not responsible for
any articles brought from home.
It is the mandatory responsibility of all CDC staff to report all cases of possible child
abuse or neglect.
Children will not be admitted to the center is experiencing an elevated temperature 100.5
degrees or higher, diarrhea or vomiting, or a rash or contagious condition of any kind.
Staff members are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, fire and safety
procedures.
Fees and Charges
Fees are set according to a uniform fee structure program guidelines of the DOD and the
Child Care Act of 1989, and are based on total family income. A copy of the member’s
and spouse’s pay stub is required to determine fees.
Types of Care
The publication “Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs
Serving Children from 6 Weeks Through Age 5” provided the guidelines for the Child
Development Programs. It is used in conjunction with the NAEYC criteria for highquality early childhood programs.
12
Hourly Care – This type of care is short term usually from one to five hours on a
non-regular basis and is usually by reservation. Call 719 333-4733 for reservations.
Full Day / Week Care – Child care for 5 – 10 hours per day, five days per week. This
program usually involves children whose parents are both employed or children who live
with one parent.
Part Day Enrichment – This program, in Bldg 5150, is for children ages 3-5 years old
whose parents do not need full-day service but would like their children to participate in
an early childhood program (mornings and afternoons available). Call 719 333-4733 for
information.
Family Child Care Homes – Military housing or homes in the community can be used to
provide child care for a small number of children in a family-type environment. FCC
programs include Extended Duty Care Program funded by the Air Force, and care when
Permanent Change Station (PCS – equivalent to Canadian “Posting”) occurs.
Child Development Center – Building 6250, Sunflower Drive, USAF Academy
Phone 719 333-6863 or 333-6779
Part-Day Enrichment – Building 5150, Community Center Drive, USAF Academy
Phone 719 333-4166 or 333-4733
Family Child Care Office – Building 5150, Community Center Drive, USAF Academy
Phone 719 333-7957
Falcon Trail Youth Center
719 333-4169
Falcon Trails Youth Center provides a much-needed service for area military and civilian
families.
Activities for children ages 3 to 18 are going on year-round at the youth center with
specific programs and classes to "just hangin' out." The facility features a full-size
gymnasium and activity room.
13
Every April, the youth center holds its largest event - Funfest - a huge, festive spring
carnival during Month of the Military Child.
Some instructional classes offered include karate, gymnastics, dance, and driver's
education.
Organized sports activities such as ice hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, t-ball,
indoor soccer, Cheerleading are a staple of youth center activities.
In addition, the youth center presents activities in collaboration with 4-H Clubs.
The Youth Center also operates an accredited before- and after-school care program for
children in grades Kindergarten through 5. This award-winning program includes
transportation to and from on-base schools, meals, snacks and supervision.
During the summer months, the youth center provides a day camp program filled with
fun. The day camp program is also offered during school breaks (spring, winter, fall) –
ideal for working parents.
The Youth Center is a United Way Organization and is affiliated with the Boys and Girls
Clubs of America.
PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
Who is included in this data base?
The Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Childs Care database provides information
about licensed child care services in the Pikes Peak region. Family child care providers,
centers, and preschools are included. Inclusion the database is voluntary. The
information contained in the database is obtained from the State of Colorado, El Paso
County Dept. of human Services and the individual providers. PPLD makes every effort
to provide accurate information, however the library depends on these courses for
accurate and current information. Inclusion in the database does not indicate or imply an
endorsement by PPLD, the State of Colorado or the El Paso County Dept. of Human
Services.
How do I search for child care?
Type in the name of the elementary school, neighbourhood, major street or zip code in
the area you want child care. Use the school or area lists (below) to see which schools
or neighbourhoods are in the database. Add a special age term if you need care for
infants or preschool children. If you have specific needs, such as part-time care or
CCCAP includes these. Your results will be greater by using fewer terms. If the selection
of providers is limited, enlarge your geographic are or use fewer special features.
Elementary School
The Licensed Child Care Providers allows you to find child care options by the
elementary school nearest providers. In order to find the exact name of given school in
our database, choose our school list
14
Neighbourhoods and Areas
The Licensed Child Care Providers database allows you to find child care options by the
general area or neighbourhood or the provider. In order to find exact area or
neighbourhood names choose Area List.
For more information log on to http://library.ppld.org
YMCA OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE
www.ppymca.org
The YMCA of Pikes Peak Region’s before and after school child care program provides
children with opportunities for growth and development outside of their school day
through activities and adventures that are child-centered and fun! A variety of activities
have been developed for children with an emphasis on eight core components: literacy,
character development, health wellness and fitness, service learning, arts and
humanities, science math and technology, social competence and conflict resolution,
and homework support.
Accreditation
The YMCA of Pikes Peak Region recognizes that exceptional, caring adults are
essential to the healthy development of children. The staff exceeds state licensing
requirements for experience and training. All staff are required to pass a state and
national background check before they are hired and references are extensively
checked. All staff are First Aid/CPR certified.
Hours
The before school program opens at 06:30am and runs until the beginning of school.
The after school programs run until 6pm.
The School’s Out Day programs are offered from 06:30am to 6pm
Registration
All registration paperwork must be received prior to a child’s first day in the program.
Payment arrangements must be made prior to the child’s first day in the program.
Fees
Fees range from $87 to $400 per child per month depending on the plan required.
For more information or to register contact:
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
Association Child Care Office
Phone: 719 329-7229
Email: sacc@ppymca.org
www.ppymca.org
15
Child Care Resource Links
Child Care Connections- http://www.childcareconnections.net/
Colorado Division of Child Care- http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/childcare/
Colorado Office of Resource and Referral Agencies (CORRA) - http://www.corra.org/
National Network for Child Care (NNCC) - http://www.nncc.org/
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare- http://nrc.uchsc.edu/
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) http://www.naeyc.org/
16
Recommended Child Care Providers by
Canadians in Colorado Springs
KinderCare
KinderCare is committed to bringing the highest quality early childhood education and
care to children and their families. They regularly update the curricula to align with
national and state accreditation standards and are developing new enrichment program
offerings to meet the needs of families. The programs offered are for infants, toddlers,
discovery school age 2, preschool age 3-4, prekindergarten, kindergarten, before and
after school, enrichment programs, and summer programs.
Ages: 6 Weeks to 12 Year-Olds
Open: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Monday – Friday
Fees
Fees range from $212 to $250 per week per child for pre school age children.
There are many KinderCare Centers available in Colorado Springs, to obtain more
information please contact one of the Centers below.
KinderCare Learning Center
1204 Mesa Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Ph: 719-473-2620
KinderCare Learning Center
885 Cheyenne Meadows Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Ph: 719-538-4614
Northwoods KinderCare
7035 Lexington Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Ph: 719-535-2878
www.kindercare.com
Primrose School
Primrose School at Cottonwood Creek is a private preschool in Colorado Springs,
Colorado. There are two locations within Colorado Springs. Primrose Schools offer more
than a daycare experience. Though the exclusive balanced learning curriculum, they
prepare your child for academic success while fully integrating character developmentcreating a well-rounded young individual. They offer year round programs of full- and
part-time child care and preschool education programs for children from six weeks to ten
years of age. This includes early childhood education, after school child care, summer
camps and full-day kindergarten.
17
Fees
Fees range from $220 to $300 per week per child for pre school age children.
To learn more about Primrose contact one of the two schools at:
Primrose School at Cottonwood Creek
4110 Dublin Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
719 260-8181
Primrose School Of Briargate
2380 Briar Ridge Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
719 268-0664
www.primroseschool.com
For a list of private home day care providers recommended by Canadians please refer to
the Canadians in Colorado referral guide available on the CMFRC website.
www.familyforce.ca
Military Foreign Service Instructions
Chapter 10, Section 11
Daycare Assistance
When eligible, CF members may be able to receive Daycare Assistance benefits through
the MFSI. The intent of the allowances and benefits is to provide assistance to
members with the costs of enrolling children in locally accredited day-care facilities if
such costs are in excess of those for similar facilities in Ottawa.
To obtain more information on this allowance please contact the CFSU(C) and refer to
the regulation found at the link below.
Military Foreign Service Instructions, Chapter 10, Section 11, Daycare Assistance
http://hr3.ottawa-hull.mil.ca/dgcb/cbi/includes/cbi_coverpage_e.asp?sidesection=6&docid=26
18
Choosing Quality Child Care
Does the provider...









Appear to be warm and friendly? Provide references?
Seem to be people with whom you can develop a comfortable, sharing relationship?
Seem to be people your child will enjoy being with?
Have child-rearing methods and attitudes similar to your own?
Treat each child as an individual?
Understand what children can and want to do at different stages of growth?
Encourage good health habits?
Accept and respect your family's cultural values?
Take time to discuss your child with you daily?
Does the child care home have...?








A clean, comfortable look?
Safe equipment in good repair?
Equipment and supplies for different ages of children?
An alternate exit in case of fire?
A safety plan to follow in emergencies?
An outdoor play area that is safe?
A fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, first aid kit, etc?
A person trained in CPR and first aid?
Are there opportunities for children...?





To follow a schedule that meets young children's needs for routine but is flexible enough to meet the
different needs of each child?
To play quietly and actively?
To play alone at times and with friends at others?
To use materials and equipment to learn new skills?
To learn to get along, to share, and to respect themselves and others?
The following are basic questions to ask the provider about their home business.













What are your hours?
How many children do you care for?
What is your vacation and illness policy?
What are your fees? What days are you closed?
What arrangements are in place for my child if you are closed due to illness?
What training or experience do you have?
Do you or your family members smoke?
Do you have pets?
Why did you decide to become a provider?
What is your favourite part of being a provider?
Does your family support your career choice?
Can you describe a typical day in your home?
Do you transport children in your vehicle?
19
20