Working with Child-Care Providers

Some parents enroll their children in child-care centers. Some use family day-care homes. And some rely on relatives to care for their babies. In any case, you and the child-care provider will work together. Your partnership will keep your baby strong and healthy and help him grow.

Use these tips to make your child-care choice work.

• Share information. Explain your baby’s schedule, habits and needs. For example, tell the provider that your baby uses a security blanket at nap time. Make sure the provider knows how to reach you in an emergency.
• Pay on time. Being late with payments isn’t fair.
• Set up regular conferences. Talk with the provider about your baby’s needs. Review what works and what doesn’t. Ask the provider about your baby’s developing skills.
• Insist on good health practices. Is food prepared and stored properly? Are diaper changing areas clean and germ free? Do adults and children wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet? All of these measures help keep your baby healthy.
• Show that you respect the provider. Pick up your baby on time. Say“thank you” often.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Eleven-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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