|
|
 |
LOOK & LISTEN!
Warning Signs Of Poor Child Care
Once you have made your child care arrangements, your work is not done!
Stay involved and continue to monitor & observe the care your child
receives since the quality of a program can vary greatly over time.
The Danger Signals Listed Below Are Indicators Of Poor Quality:
- Parents are not allowed to drop in unannounced at all times of the
day. You are required to call before visiting or coming to pick
up your child at a different time.
- Parents must drop off the child in the office and may not come into
the care-giving areas.
- After several months, your child continues to be unhappy about going
to the child care home or facility, or your child suddenly becomes unhappy
after he or she seems to have adjusted. This may or may not be a danger
sign, since children often have problems with separation, but it should
be attended to.
- Your child talks about being afraid of or disliking a particular caregiver,
or seems quiet and fearful in his/her presence.
- There is frequent staff turnover turnover and you notice unfamiliar
people caring for the children when you drop off or pick up your child.
- The care seems lax and indifferent. You see children being made to
wait for long periods of time or left to play unattended indoors or
outdoors.
- Your child has an excessive number of injuries that the caregiver
cannot explain adequately.
- The caregiver’s voice or manners seems harsh, rude, or indifferent
toward any of the children.
- There are insufficient toys for the children to play with or few interesting
activities. Toys may be put on display, but are not used regularly by
the children.
- When you express any concerns, the caregiver becomes upset or defensive
and cannot discuss the matter rationally with you.
- You feel uneasy about the care, are not confident about the caregivers,
or worry about how your child is doing. A visit to spend time with your
child and observe what her life in care is like should reassure you.
If you have any questions or need additional information, call the Chesterfield
Social Services Department at (804) 748-1100.
Adapted from an article by Thelma Harms.
Virginia Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Chesterfield/Colonial
Heights Department of Social Services. Virginia Cooperative Extension
programs & employment are open to all, regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political
affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. If you
are a person with a disability & desire assistance or accommodation,
please notify the Chesterfield Social Services Department at (804) 748-1100,
between the hours of 8:30AM – 5:00PM
|
