Some tips for parents

When searching for child care, parents need to look beyond cleanliness and safety.

Parents should also find out if the teachers are well-trained in early childhood development. High-quality programs often have teachers with at least associate degrees in early childhood education.

Parents also need to make sure the day-care center offers plenty of activities to keep children engaged all day.

Audrey Maynard, director of the early childhood program at Casco Bay College, says parents should look for the following:

• A large supply of wooden blocks, readily accessible on low shelves. Playing with blocks helps children learn about spatial relationships through constant trial and error. Research shows children do better in math if they've had the chance to play with blocks.
• Tables or areas where children can play with sand, water, pebbles, bird seed and even snow. "Children's cognitive functions improve when they have a chance to connect to the sensory world," Maynard said. Plus, children find it relaxing to play with the different materials.
• Cozy reading areas where children can curl up with a book. It should be someplace quiet and comfortable. And the books should be in good condition and easily accessible.
• Art areas where children can learn basic skills that help them with writing later by practicing using pencils, crayons, markers and paint. "Also, children feel a lot of satisfaction as they work to create works of art," Maynard said. "The creativity in the process helps then to learn about problem solving as they grow."
• Dramatic play areas where children can dress up and act out scenes. "Children are constantly watching adults in their lives and learning the good and bad from their example," Maynard said. "Dramatic play areas help children by given them arenas to act out these stories."

Call the State Department of Human Services' day-care licensing division at 287-5060 to find out if any complaints have been filed against the day-care provider. The state can tell you if a complaint was valid and the general nature of what happened.

Ask the day-care operator for names of people who have used the day-care service, for references. Call those people and ask them about the quality of care offered.

Drop in unannounced at least once or twice to see how children are being treated.

Ask about the experience and training of the people who will work with your child.

Remember that a state license, registration or certificate does not guarantee quality in a day-care provider.