With more and more parents working outside the home, the need for child care is
increasing. Before you leave your child in child care, you need to be sure that
they will be in a safe facility with a trained, caring and nurturing staff. You
should also make a choice that is right for your child's needs.
Before enrolling your child, make an appointment to spend some time at the facility
observing programs and asking questions. If an operator does not allow you to visit
before you leave your child, do not use their facility. If possible, also let your
child visit the facility before you make a final decision.
Things to look for
Facility
- Is a current, valid license or registration displayed?
- Is the building clean and safe?
- Is play equipment sturdy, safe and accessible?
- Is the space adequate for the number of children?
- Can the facility meet any special needs that your child may have?
Staffing
- Are staff authorized to work?
- Does director have background and central registry results?
- Is there enough staff and are they actively supervising the children?
- Are the staff trained in child development, as well as safety, emergency, and first
aid procedures?
- Do staff relate well with the children, parents and other staff?
Parent Involvement
- Are parents allowed to visit the facility at any time? Parents should be allowed
unlimited access?
- Are parents encouraged to be involved in the activities of the facility?
- Are there parent-staff meetings?
- Are policies available for review?
Programs and Activities
- Is the daily schedule posted?
- Are groups of children appropriate for their age: infants and toddlers separated
from older children in larger facilities - planned activities for each age group?
- Is the weekly menu posted?
- Are meals and snacks balanced, varied and nutritious?
- Is there a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities, active and quiet play?
- Are appropriate materials and equipment which contribute to growth and development
easily accessible to the children?
- Are the children happily engaged or just lingering about?
- Is mealtime pleasant?
- Are infants held individually for feeding?
- Is appropriate discipline used with the children? Remember, physical punishment
is not allowed without parent's written permission.
Complaints and Concerns
Any complaints or concerns that you have about the child care facility should be
discussed with the facility director. However, if you feel that your child has been
abused or neglected, if you think that there are problems with the facility that
place children in danger you should report this to
your regional or state Department of Social Services office.
To report suspected abuse or neglect call Child Protective Services at (803)
898-7318.
To report problems with child care facilities, policies or practices call Child
Care Licensing at (803) 898-7345.
For further information, contact one of the DSS Child Care Licensing and Regulatory
Services offices.
In accordance
with Title VI, Section 601 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title V, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the South Carolina Department of Social Services
will administer its programs in such a manner that no person shall solely by reason
of their race, color, national origin or qualified handicap, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefit of or be subjected to discrimination under any program
or activity administered by the department. For more information contact your county
or regional Department of Social Services.