Finding High-Quality Child Care
Trying to find high-quality child care in your
community can be confusing. Where do you start? Who do you call? Start
your search now by clicking the link to find care near you that offers convenient hours and other options to meet your needs or call our toll free number at 1-877-691-8521 to be connected to one of our Referral Specialists. Below, you’ll find information on what to look for when you’re searching for a high-quality child care provider or preschool.
For more information on Ohio’s Step Up to Quality medal level rating system click here
What to Look For When You Visit
Before you choose a facility, visit each one you’re considering. But what should you be looking for? Below are some tips to help you find the early childhood environment that’s right for your child.
The state of Ohio publishes inspection reports for child facilities in the state. Click the search licensing reports button to read about the programs you're considering.
Ten Signs of a Good Classroom
If your child is between the ages of
3 and 6 and attends a child care center, preschool, or
kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) suggests you look for these ten signs of a good
classroom:
- Children spend most of their
time playing and working with materials or other children. They do not
wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long
periods of time.
- Children have access to various
activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other
construction materials, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and
other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and
puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same
time.
- Teachers work with individual
children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the
day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group.
- The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers.
- Children learn numbers and the
alphabet in the context of everyday experiences. The natural world of
plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking
attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.
- Children work on projects and
have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore.
Worksheets are used little, if at all.
- Children have an opportunity to
play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more
instructional time.
- Teachers read books to children
individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group
story time.
- The curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children's different backgrounds and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way.
- Children and parents look
forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the
program.
- Children are happy to attend;
they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.
Need one on one assistance in choosing a child care program that best meets your child’s needs?
Our Referral Specialists are available to help! Call
1-877-691-8521