CHILD CARE

The Independent Order of the Foresters offer the following tips when reviewing child care agencies. They also have a child abuse hot line at 800 4-A- CHILD

• Check for an open door policy. A day care center with nothing to hide should encourage parents to drop in unannounced
• Ask friends and families for referrals to agencies they used and liked
• Request references from the agency and speak to parents who have used their services
• Determine if the agency is state licensed
• Walk through the center to make sure it is child proofed. Is it physically safe for your child
• Ask for circumstances that will prompt the day care to call a parent about the child
• Check that the children's basic needs are attended to quickly and effectively.