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Step-by-Step
 
- Help define your child care needs by considering:
- What will I need in terms of location and hours?
- What are my child's needs - physical, emotional, social, educational?
- What size group would I prefer for my child? What can I afford?"
- Call the Marin Child Care Council at (415) 479-2273 for referrals to licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes in Marin, and license-exempt programs, or providers who are on the Trustline Registry.
- Upon receiving your list of prospective providers from the Marin Child Care Council Referral Counselor, call the provider to discuss your needs and their availability. Preliminary phone interviews may help you to decide with which providers you would like to schedule visits.
- If possible, visit at least three child care possibilities. The more you see, the more you will be able to define your priorities regarding qualities of a child care provider/setting.
- If you must cancel an appointment, be sure to call and let the provider know -respect the caregiver's time.
- Prepare for the visit by reviewing your expectations and the "Child Care Evaluation Checklist".
- During the visit, communicate your needs, expectations, concerns, and fears. Be open and honest. A good caregiver will appreciate and respect your sense of responsibility to your child.
- If you are interested in enrolling your child, and the provider has an available opening, ask for references - names of parents who currently, or recently, have had a child in care. Call the references.
- When you've made your decision, request a two-week trial period (many providers include this in their contract). This time will allow you and/or your provider to decide whether the arrangements will work out.
- Remember, your responsibility does not end with the final choice of child care. Continuing to communicate and evaluate your child's care on an ongoing basis is every parent's responsibility.
415.472.1092
415.499.7153
650.266.8843
650.266.8843
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