Phoenix Relocation Guide

E D U C A T I O N I N A R I Z O N A

The Phoenix and Tucson areas have hundreds of childcare facilities, including nonprofit, church and other community childcare centers; private centers; compa- ny-sponsored childcare at work locations, plus nanny and au pair services and agen- cies; babysitters; in-home childcare; countless preschools; group homes; and other options. Waiting lists tend to be long at some centers, so it’s important to make visiting facilities, narrowing down options and getting on waiting lists a priority. Parents can get information on individual childcare facilities – such as licensing and other information – from the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Division of Licensing Services – Office of Child Care Licensing. Call 602-364-2539 in Phoenix, 520-6228-6541 in Tucson, or 800-615-8555, for more information. You’ll also find a Consumer Information page on the division website for parents and caregivers about what the agency does, help with childcare costs, how to enroll your child in a program and much more. Visit www.azdhs.gov for more information. Parents can also check for center or preschool accreditation by well-known organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc. org - see listing on the following page). The following is a list of local and national resources for childcare information, plus tips for parents on how to choose the right child- care for their children: The Arizona Department of Economic Security promotes the safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of children, adults, and families. Association for Supportive Child Care 3910 S. Rural Road, Suite E, Tempe, 85282 480-829-0500; 800-535-4599; www.asccaz.org The Association for Supportive Child Care has provided a variety of services to child care providers, families and children since 1976 to enhance the quality of care Arizona Department of Economic Security 602-542-4248; des.az.gov

PARENT TIPS FOR CHOOSING CHILD CARE • Once you’ve narrowed down a list of providers, get detai ls about thei r license to provide care. Each childcare facility’s regulatory history of inspections and reports is available online. • Visit the facilities. Go when children are in care so you can see how the caregiver treats children, what kinds of activities are available, and how problems are handled. See how well the caregiver provides a safe and healthy environment. Once you place your child in care, stay involved – and keep asking questions. • Look carefully at home or apartments that have a pool or are near lakes, creeks, or other bodies of water. The caregiver can explain how she ensures the safety of children in and around these bodies of water. • Discuss any concerns with the caregiver. Respect the caregiver’s time. Her main responsibility is working with the children. Don’t be offended if the caregiver can’t spend much time talking with you when you drop off or pick up your child. If you need more time to talk about your child, set up a conference. • I t ’s no rma l fo r ch i l d ren to have some fea r s and misgivings about starting childcare outside the home. Children need time to get used to new situations. Prepare your child for the change as far in advance as possible. Discuss his or her concerns. It is important to let the caregiver know about things at home that may affect how your child is doing while in care. • Talk to your child about his or her experiences in care. Watch for a time each day when your child is quiet and feeling secure and protected. Then gently ask questions about how he is doing. Share his excitement about new friends, skills, and abilities. Listen to his concerns. Give him a chance to boast about his achievements.

P H O E N I X | T U C S O N R E L O C A T I O N G U I D E 2 0 2 0

48

Made with FlippingBook Annual report