Looking for child care?
Choosing child care for your child can be a difficult decision. How do you know whom to trust and what to consider? Everyone has different expectations and needs. Here are some questions to consider and ask when making a decision.
Salida and Buena Vista Colorado Day Careupdated November 15, 2010
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| Business Name | First Name | Last Name | Phone: 719- |
| Son Shine Inn | Karen | Swaro | 539-3882 |
| Marcey’s Day Care | Marcella | Walker | 539-7940 |
| Pearl’s Daycare | Pearl | Martellaro | 539-2738 |
| Jelly Bean Large Daycare Home | Bonnie | Paul | 539-6263 |
| Crystelle’s Child Care | Crystelle | Justesen | 395-3992 |
| Salida Mini School | Theresa | Vosburgh | 539-6300 |
| Jennifer’s Daycare | Jennifer | Lucero | 539-5447 |
| First Impressions Infant Care Center | Sheli | James | 530-5381 |
| Head Start Salida Early Childhood Center | Ilona | Sarai – Witty | 539-1184 |
| Heritage Day Care | Theresa | Medrano | 539-3418 |
| Wee Wonders Child Care | Janee’ | Martinez | 539-3487 |
| Two’s Early Learning | Kathi | Wardlow | 530-5355 |
| Three Cherry Trees | Karina | Madden | 539-2217 |
| Chaffee County Montessori School | Claudia | Mann | 539-4887 |
| Rachelle and Co. Tigger Time | Rachelle | Huschka | 530-0153 |
| Kid’s Korner | Julie | Salazar | 395-6712 |
| Sharon’s Daycare | Sharon | Miner | 395-8148 |
| Busy Bees Preschool | Joyce | Markham | 395-2661 |
| Giggles and Grins Day Care | Shay | Ellis | 395-9007 |
| Sue’s Daycare | Susan | Treat | 530-0298 |
| Strawberry Door, Inc., Center for Early Learning | Gail | Kahan | 539-2154 |
| Chaffee Cty Head Start/Buena Vista/Avery-Parsons Preschoo | Arlene | Fisher | 395-7029 |
| Little Britches | Joyce | Hansen | 395-9112 |
| Christy’s Daycare | Christy | Hurley | 539-4984 |
| Sue’s Licensed Daycare | Sue | Dickens | 395-2868 |
| Wiggles and Giggles Childcare | Anastasia | Sandmeier | 395-2069 |
Determine what is important for you and your child.
- Do you prefer a child care center or a child care setting in the home?
- Does your child need a structured environment or something more informal?
- Do you need specific days and times for care?
- Is location an important factor?
- How much can you afford to pay?
Review local options.
- Visit the child care places you are considering and plan to stay for at least 30 minutes. Consider a second visit at a different time of day to get a better understanding of what is offered.
- Bring your child and observe not only the place, but also how your child responds.
- Tour the entire facility or home to make sure you are comfortable.
- Speak with the caregiver/teacher and ask questions important to you that reflect your needs (see list above).
Think about and/or ask questions such as:
- What is going on around you? What are the interactions like with the children?
- Are there age appropriate activities, toys, and equipment?
- Are there any safety concerns?
- What are the discipline policies?
- What transportation is used and when? Are car seats available?
- Are lunches and snacks provided by the parent or the facility? What meals are served?
- Talk with other parents who are using the facility to get their opinions.
Other questions to ask of potential child care providers.
- Is the program licensed? For how many children? – What training or experience does the provider have? – What CPR and First Aid training does the provider have? – When was the last inspection? What concerns were mentioned? – How many children are enrolled and what ages? – What is the daily routine/schedule? – What is the ratio of children to providers? – What is the policy for illness, safety, and injury prevention? – What is the total cost? When is payment expected?
Once you make a decision, continue to stay involved. Visit regularly to make sure the place and the program meet your expectations and your child’s needs. Download the Chaffee County Daycare Providers List.
