Looking for child care?
Support is Available Through Community Connections for Children
Choosing a quality early care and education program and using valuable community resources are some of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Community Connections for Children (CCC), believes that parents are their children’s first teacher and the experts in making positive choices for their children. CCC’s specialized staff will assist you in identifying your child care options and provide you with the information you need to help you select the child care services that meet the individual needs of your family. There are many things to take into consideration when making such an important choice as finding a child care provider. Here you will find information on the types of child care providers, the benefits of quality care, and what to look for when choosing your child’s early learning program.
Receive a List of Child Care Providers
At CCC, we utilize our provider database to match your child care needs with early learning facilities in your area. Contact us to receive a free list of child care providers in your area!
An Important Note About Your Responsibility
Selecting and monitoring a child care provider is the right and responsibility of the parent or guardian. Providers listed with Community Connections for Children are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Providers have not been screened, evaluated, or recommended by Community Connections for Children. Community Connections for Children neither guarantees nor endorses the providers.
Find great child care
To find the best quality child care:
Look … Ask … Listen … and Feel!
Look for …
- A current Certificate of Compliance
- Happy, active children who are allowed to explore and socialize with each other
- Nurturing caregivers who respond to the infants and children with respect, patience, and flexibility
- A clean, safe environment set up for the children’s needs
Ask about …
- Training sessions the provider has attended, his/her background and experience with children
- The daily program (including routines, and meals), discipline techniques and policies
- The staff/child ratio – are there enough adults to respond to individual children?
- Surprise, unannounced visits – they should be encouraged by the caregiver
- Opportunities for parent involvement
- References (be sure to follow through and check them)
- Accreditation – is the program nationally accredited or working towards accreditation?
Listen for …
- The director/caregiver’s tone of voice – is it cheerful and patient?
- Is he/she willing to answer questions?
- Happy, involved childern and caregivers
- Your “inner voice”
Feel …
- The tension or calm in the air
- How the caregiver responds to your child
- How the facility makes you feel
