Choosing the right day care

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Most working parents need affordable and safe child care. 

Each family is unique and guidelines for what you may be looking for can vary.  But what remains the same is the legal process behind providing care, which is often where a parent starts the search. 

And finding the right child care provider is one of the most critical decisions for working parents. But getting started can be overwhelming. In-home day care providers in Amherst say the first thing to look for is a license.

“Anyone in Massachusetts who is caring for children has to be licensed by the state and that ensures they are meeting certain requirements,” said child care provider D.L. Ainsworth.

Ainsworth has owned the Friends of Family Day Care in Amherst for 26 years.  She's required to go through annual CPR certifications and because of the size of her care group she must have an assistant.

“As an assistant there's a certain amount of experience that you need in a home day care before you can apply for a certified assistant license that I have. And you need to be certified in first aid and CPR and there's also a certain amount of education,” said Certified Assistant Whitney Lyman.

The state's Department of Early Education and Care says a license indicates that a program and its facilities have met standards for health, safety, and supervision. After you've checked that off you list, next is choosing the right environment.

“Look around the space and makes sure it looks safe to your eye, are the outlets covered, are the toys in good repair, does the place look comfortable,” said Ainsworth.

Ainsworth told 22News parents must understand their child’s needs and make sure the care is nurturing.  She says the early years of a child’s development is vital.  Therefore parents should search for care programs that engage a child’s social and early-learning skills; abilities that can best prepare them for their years ahead in school. 

For a list of certified child care providers in your area, click here .