PARENT SERVICES
Choosing Child Care
When it comes to looking for child care, you want the best for your child. Research shows that high quality child care can have a positive impact on a child’s overall development. Finding high quality child care is very important for your child’s well-being.
Child Care Resource & Referral assists parents in their search for quality child care by:
1. Contact us toll free at 1-800-941-7003.
2. Visit our child care database for FREE online referrals Minnesota or North Dakota.
Child Care Resource and Referral makes child care referrals, not recommendations. We refer parents to licensed programs; however, some preschools and school age programs are exempt from licensing. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the information concerning any provider in our files. We do not license, endorse, or recommend any particular provider, nor do we make any judgment about the quality of care given by any provider. Consequently, we urge parents to interview a provider and to check the provider’s references carefully before leaving a child in that provider’s care.
Call one of our referral specialists for your personalized referral at
(218)299-7026 or (800)941-7003 ext. 7026 or E-mail us.
Kinds of child care
You have a number of options in selecting child care. There is no one “best” type of care. It depends on the needs of your child and your family. We have listed some advantages and disadvantages of each type of care. These are generalizations and there will always be exceptions. Rely on your knowledge of your child’s needs to guide you.
Special Needs
If you are a parent of a child with special needs or behavioral challenges, Child Care Resource and Referral can help in many ways.
Connecting your family to child care providers who have experience and/or training with special needs.
Providing information about services available to families/children that have special needs.
Training and consulting with your child care provider about your child’s special needs.
Caregivers have training in child development
Training in child development is very important. The caregiver should understand how children develop, their stages of growth and their behavior at various ages. Although specialized training is a key indicator of quality, it’s best to look for a provider who has both training and experience.
National child care standards
Some licensed child care programs have met national standards of quality that are more rigorous than licensing rules. They are then considered to be accredited. These programs/providers take extra training and pass tests to receive national recognition. For a current list of programs that have achieved these accreditations call 1-800-941-7003 or 218-299-7026.
Group size is small
Children benefit from the individual attention possible in smaller groups. State licensing rules set standards for how many children of various ages may be cared for by one adult. However, some licensed homes and centers care for fewer children or have more adults to attend to children in small groups.
The program is focused on children’s needs
The high quality program is responsive to each child. Caregivers are prepared to meet children’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional needs as the children grow and change. Differences among children’s cultures and needs are respected and celebrated.
The care is consistent
Consistent care from a sensitive, responsive caregiver is the foundation of healthy development, building the child’s security, confidence and sense of well-being. The presence of a regular caregiver and minimal turnover in staff are essential elements of high quality child care.
Healthy and safe
Children’s healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during the first few years of life. Working during the first few years of a child life can be a tough choice to make, however choosing quality child care that focuses on health and safety can help ease that anxiety. Here are some tips on choosing a healthy and safe place for your child.
Child care licensing is aimed at protecting the health, safety and well-being of children. Family child care homes and child care centers have differing sets of licensing requirements. The specific Minnesota or North Dakota standards can be found by clicking on the appropriate state above.
During your search for child care you may want to contact he county licenser for background information on a provider you are considering. The Department of Human Services is responsible for licensing providers. Please contact your local Social Services for the detailed information.
Child to Adult Ratios
When choosing child care, check the ratios of adults to children. An important indicator of high quality child care is that the number of children per adult provider is small enough so that each child receives sufficient individual attention and care. State licensing has established ratios of the number of children to adult providers that licensed providers must adhere to in Minnesota or North Dakota.
As you begin the search for child care, use this parent toolkit when it comes time for:
Telephone interviews of prospective child care providers. Here is a list of questions to ask providers over the phone.
Face-to-face interviews of programs you are considering. Here is a list of questions to ask providers and a worksheet to use during your interview.
Reference checks of providers you are considering. Here are some examples of how to introduce yourself and questions to ask while checking their references.
Review the information you have gathered in each step. Call back if you have any unanswered questions. Trust your instincts. It’s okay to be a choosy parent.
Ask yourself:
What is my overall impression of each program?
Will my child be happy there?
Do I feel comfortable there? Does my child feel comfortable?
How will my child fit in with the routine and with the other children?
Do the providers seem to care about my child as an individual?
Do I feel welcome and valued?
Am I going to feel comfortable leaving my child each day?
Do I have any doubts?
What did the references tell me?
If you are not comfortable with the programs you have considered, keep looking. Call Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-941-7003 for additional names of providers. If a program you like is full, consider putting your name on a waiting list in case your current program does not work out. Once you have made a decision, notify the other providers you were considering that you will not be using their programs.
Stay involved
You and your caregiver are partners in caring for your child. It’s very important to everyone - you your child and the caregiver - that you communicate regularly with one another. Ongoing communication can help you feel more involved with your child’s care and help build a solid, trusting relationship. Here are some tips on how to involve the family.
The average cost of child care
You can locate the average rate for your area here. For more specific information average rates please contact Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-941-7003
Financial aid for child care
For Minnesota you can visit the Child Care Financial Aid Website to calculate an immediate estimate of the benefits and amounts for which you qualify. For a list of additional Minnesota child care assistance options visit here.
For North Dakota you can visit the North Dakota Department of Human Services for child care assistance programs.
With a little planning, the transition to child care or to a new caregiver can go smoothly. Here are some ideas to help prepare you and your child for this step.
Lakes & Prairies Child Care Resource & Referral
715 11th Street North, Suite 402, Moorhead, MN 56560
(218) 299-7026 or 800-941-7003
(218)299-7547 Fax
Child Care Resource & Referral is a program of Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc.
a 501c3 nonprofit corporation
Child Care Resource and Referral staff may receive concerns and/or complaints about providers via numerous routes. When Child Care Resource and Referral determines that the contact ins unveiling a licensing violation or an abuse or neglect situation, CCR&R informs the individual that we are not involved in the licensing process, does not issue, deny, or revoke child care license, and does not investigate concerns or complaints. These concerns and/or complaints will be addressed by licensing staff or child protective staff in your county. Please contact your local agency regarding these matters.
Confidentiality policy: All information given to create appropriate referrals will be kept confidential and will not be shared with any other organization.
Complaint policy: Should a customer be dissatisfied with a service provided, or have another type of concern or complaint, an employee is expected to give the matter immediate attention.
Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
