Choosing Quality Child Care Guide

Why is it Important to Select the Right Child Care Program?

The process of finding quality child care is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Recent research about how rapidly babies’ brains grow and develop underscores the importance of the first three years for getting your baby off to a good start. It is during these early years that the brain makes the connections necessary for learning and establishes a foundation for your child’s future. During the preschool years, children learn social skills and values, organize ideas, explore, experiment, and begin to understand the world around them. Their environment needs to offer them opportunities to enhance related areas of development by offering space to play and help others, new experiences and new materials, and opportunities to involve themselves in everyday life experiences. School age children, too, need constructive things to do in a safe and supportive program. A quality after school program supports learning, builds links to the community, and guides children in forming strong relationships with caring adults.

Get Help Finding a Quality Child Care Program!

Child Care Resource and Referral links parents to child care providers and other agencies in the community by referring families to a database of all legally operating child care providers according to need and preference. We refer to over 160 child care centers and family child care homes in three counties in addition to Head Start, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Community Child Care Resources, After-School Programs, Summer Camps, and Au-Pair Programs. Child Care Specialists help parents take the guesswork out of choosing child care by:

• Providing information on different types of care including Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Programs (VPK) and customized referrals
• Educating parents about early learning and the components of quality care
• Reviewing information on state licensing requirements
• Helping parents find choices in care for children with special needs
• Informing eligible parents about the availability of child care subs

Guidance is provided by phone, in person, and in other ways, such as the internet, that are tailored to each individual family.

How Can I Reach a Child Care Specialist?

Child Care Resource & Referral services are available in Indian River County by calling 772-220-1220 or toll free 877-220-1223 Monday - Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A Resource & Referral Specialist will be able to help answer your questions.