Referrals for child care are an important part of the services CCR&R provides.

Although CCR&R doesn’t make recommendations, a parent services specialist can:

® Explain the differences between a family child care home, a child care center, a preschool, a church-run program and other options.

® Help parents determine what type of child care would best meet their family’s needs.

® Explain North Carolina’s star-rated licensing system.

® Offer referrals — not recommendations — to area child care facilities.

For more information about area child care options, call 333-3205.

Helpful Links:

 

About the Star-Rated License System

 

North Carolina Department of Child Development Child Care Facility Search Site

 

National Association for the Education of Young Children

 

National Child Care Information Center

When you visit a child care facility, keep these questions in mind:

            

R Is the star-rated license posted?

R How many stars does the facility have?

R Is the staff certified in CPR and First Aid?

R Is the staff continuously receiving training in child development and child care issues?

R Is the program involved with community agencies (such as Albemarle Smart Start Partnership) to improve the quality of care?

R Are there plenty of toys, games and books for the children, along with space for playing, eating and napping?

R Is the center clean and well-maintained?

R Are parents welcome to drop in at any time?

R Are suggestions from parents encouraged?

R Is there a system to let parents know what their children do each day?

R Do you agree with the discipline policy?

R Does the caregiver seem to like children?

R Is there too much chaos, or are the children too quiet?

R Would you feel comfortable leaving your child there?

R Would your child be happy there?

R Is the facility a safe, secure place where children feel loved and wanted?

 

Once you decide on a child care facility, make a point to visit often.

Licensed family child care homes and child care centers are awarded one to five stars under North Carolina’s star-rating system.

 

One star means the facility has met the minimum standards required by the state.

 

To earn more stars, a center must have enhanced program standards, such as low staff/child ratios. In addition, caregivers must have completed college-level courses in child development or early childhood education.