| Making the decision to have a child is only the | | | | foreign language, computers and even martial arts |
| beginning. From that point forward life as you | | | | as part of their standard curriculum. |
| know it will change in ways you never thought | | | | How many children should there be per teacher? |
| possible. Issues you may have never considered | | | | Each state is different when it comes to laws |
| will now take foremost thought in your decision | | | | regulating daycares and babysitters. The ratio |
| making skills. | | | | used is based on the child's age. For example: |
| Will you feed your child organic food? Will | | | | most daycares require one teacher per four to |
| television corrupt your little toddler? One of the | | | | six infants. This helps ensure that each child is |
| most important decisions, that unfortunately | | | | cared for properly. |
| some may have no choice in making, is whether | | | | What types of laws regulate childcare facilities? |
| or not to enroll their young child in a childcare | | | | The Department of Human Services for each |
| program. | | | | state regulates childcare establishments. They set |
| I only want part-time childcare, is this a problem? | | | | forth the rules governing licensing, sanitation and |
| Many childcare facilities offer part-time time slots. | | | | feeding guidelines. |
| The charges are usually either set off as per hour | | | | DHS is also covers any issues that arise with the |
| or per four hour block. If you are looking for | | | | facility such as complaints or reports of abuse. |
| daycare only a few days of week, many can | | | | The laws for each state vary so it is important to |
| work that into their schedule. | | | | know your state guidelines when you are |
| There are childcare centers that do not allow for | | | | searching for a daycare or seek to operate one. |
| part-time due to the overwhelming demand for | | | | If I suspect child abuse, what do I need to do? |
| their available slots. There are alternatives such as | | | | You should immediately contact the proper |
| churches and babysitters. You can always check | | | | authorities. The Department of Human Services |
| references and ask around about programs for | | | | has a hotline to report suspected child abuse. If |
| parents that just need an occasional break. | | | | you are employed by a childcare facility and |
| Is there a learning plan for my child? | | | | suspect a student of being abused, immediately |
| Whether or not there is a lesson plan for your | | | | notify your supervisor and then call the authorities. |
| child all depends on who is taking care of him or | | | | If you suspect that no one is taking action, call |
| her. A licensed daycare or pre-school will usually | | | | DHS and ask to speak to a case worker. |
| have a lesson plan that teaches your child the | | | | Continue through the chain of command until |
| fundamentals necessary before they enter school. | | | | action has been taken to investigate the issue. |
| A pre-school is set up with the mindset that | | | | If you feel that the local office is not doing an |
| children must have fundamental preparation if | | | | adequate job, contact your local law enforcement |
| they are to meet the rigorous standards set in | | | | authority. If you are the parent of a child and you |
| our education system. If you are choosing a | | | | suspect the childcare center of abuse, do not |
| childcare center for this reason, you need to | | | | hesitate to withdraw your child. A child's safety is |
| review what the teachers will utilize in their | | | | far more important than offending a daycare |
| instruction. Higher priced facilities may offer | | | | teacher or owner. |