12/07/2015
I am currently at capacity and not enrolling any new children, however I can still offer you a few tips if you are looking for daycare.
1) If you require subsidy, know that the waiting list is two years. Ideally you want to get on the list as soon as you learn you are pregnant. Usually the only people who can jump the queue are those in extreme circumstances or trying to get off of social assistance.
2) Only a regulated licensed daycare provider employed by a licensed agency can offer subsidized care. However, you may find that unlicensed home childcare providers (which are the majority in Oshawa) may offer quality care for a lower cost to compensate. Make sure to compare rates.
3) When looking for a home daycare or someone to care for your child in your own home, you want a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check. Not just a regular CRC. A VS check goes back a little further and includes any accusations of abuse or neglect against vulnerable persons, namely children and the elderly. If they don't have a VS check, ask them to get one before you sign any contract. They have to go to a police station to file it and it can take up to two weeks for them to get the results back. If they refuse to do this, don't trust them. A licensed provider will already have one on file with the agency as a condition of their employment.
4) Interview a home daycare provider in their own home if that is where they are providing care. Make sure they have a contract that protects both of your interests. Make sure you ask to see all areas of the home that children will have access to. Remember they don't need to show you areas where the children never go, like their own bedrooms or laundry room, etc. Book your appointment in advance and expect to be seen after hours so they can give you their full attention without leaving children unattended.
5) If the home daycare is not with a licensed agency (such as Wee Watch) ask if they have insurance beyond homeowner insurance. They may have a daycare rider on their policy or may have their registered business insured separately from their home insurance. If children will be in their car, ask if insurance will cover that type of business use. If there is ever an incident and you need to sue for damages, you could be out of luck if they are uninsured.
6) Unregulated/Unlicensed care doesn't necessarily mean poorer quality of care. Many childcare providers (myself included) are graduates in Early Childhood Education and offer excellent care, including a developmentally appropriate curriculum you would expect through an agency. Many of us adhere to licensing standards by choice, because we agree they are best practice. The reason many remain self employed is to keep rates lower for you while making just enough profit to stay afloat. Many agencies charge you more, pay the care providers less and keep the profit for themselves. Unless there is another source of income, it can be impossible for some to remain in business while remaining in their home.
7) Ask about ratio! The law changed last year. Licensed care providers can have up to 6 children in their care, and no more than 2 of them can be under two years old. Unlicensed care can care for up to 5 children, and no more than 2 of them can be under two years old. In both cases, this ratio includes their own children if they are under six years old. If they have more than these numbers enrolled because some are part time, ask what may happen if there is a snow day, PD day or other situation that may put them over ratio. Some may take the kids to an indoor playground or make other plans to stay within the law. Some may be re-routed to another provider with an available spot if they are with an agency. Some may work outside the law and put children at risk, so make sure you know what to expect.
8 ) Go with your gut. If you don't like a provider, their home or the contract, trust yourself! Even if things are technically fine, you want someone who is a "good fit" for you and your child. One who you may expect to offer the same kind of care you might offer in your own home. Someone who is knowledgable and willing to work with you to ensure consistency in all things like diet, sleep schedule, appropriate discipline, etc. Read the Parent Handbook or contract at home carefully and make sure you are satisfied.
Finally, I highly recommend using www.daycarebear.ca to search for a provider. You can search by a variety of criteria such as price, age ratio, location, etc.
Best of luck!
-Christina
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