Child care is an extraordinarily important issue for many parents. More and more schools are offering child care before and after school to meet the needs of families. Some schools make child care a component of their regular school program while others contract with outside providers.

Before you make a decision about child care, make an appointment to visit the program while it's in session and speak with the program directors. You'll learn a lot by seeing the program in action.

When it's time to evaluate the quality of a particular day care option, keep these questions in mind:

• Is the provider licensed by the state to provide child care?
• What are the hours during which care is provided?
• What activities are offered to the children during the child care hours?
• Is the program tied into the regular school curriculum, or is it separate?
• What are the rules about sick children?
• What are the rules for late pick-up?
• What is the cost of care?
• Are discounts available for enrolling your child for additional days or enrolling more than one child?
• What is the ratio of child care providers to children?

For more guidance on choosing quality child care, consult the National Network for Child Care.

Updated February 2001