Parent Partnership
As providers we know how frustrating it is for parents to find quality child care. Because many child care providers are 
also parents, we understand the questions and concerns you may be experiencing.
Perhaps you have asked yourself, "Will my child care provider love my son like her own?" Or maybe you've sought a list of questions to use during prospective provider interviews.
On this page we hope to help ease your worries and concerns as you work through this challenging process. The resources featured in our Parents section are designed to answer your questions and help you make educated decisions in your quest for child care.
If you do not find the answer to your question as you browse this website, please contact us so that we may try to assist you. You may also contact any of the organizations whose websites are featured below.
A Letter to Parents: What Your Provider Wants You to Know But is Afraid to Tell You
The following is an open letter to parents written
from the perspective of a daycare provider or preschool teacher.
- I am a professional, not a babysitter. I may have chosen this line of work because I love children and I enjoy my job, but this is still my job/business. I have received specialized education or training to be a caregiver and educator for young children.
- I am not getting rich. In many places child care workers make less than public sanitation workers, secretaries and other jobs that require a lot less education and experience. I get paid in smiles, hugs and recognition of appreciation from families.
- I need you to read all material and notices. I am counting on you to know the information I send to you in writing. This includes newsletters, notes and contract material.
- It is important that you communicate with me. Let me know in advance if there will be a change in your child’s schedule or the services you will need.
- If I ask you to bring supplies for your child, please do. And make sure supplies are replenished as needed. This may include extra clothes, art supplies, diapers, etc.
- Remember that your child is not the only child in my care. I do my best to provide individualized attention, but I am often unable to change polices or disrupt plans to accommodate the needs of one family.
- Please do not send your child to daycare if they are too ill to participate in the day’s activities. I need to protect the health of the other children as well. If your child is or was ill, please notify me as soon as possible.
- I recognize that you are the most important person in your child’s life. I hope we can work as a partnership for what is best for the child. Please share with me any concerns or questions about your child’s care and development as we work together to help your child learn, grow and develop.
Copyright 2004 ~Joni Levine. This information was obtained from
http://www.childcarelounge.com/Parents/parentsarticles.htm
Resources for Parents
While there is an abundance of information out on the Internet, the following websites are excellent resources.
- 211 Help!Line - The Child Care HELP!Line is a child care resource and referral program serving Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.
- Child Care Aware is America's most trusted child care resource when it comes to finding high-quality child care in your area.
- Keloland Child Care Corner helps parents find the right child care provider while answering all sorts of questions.
- South Daktoa Regulations are regularly updated by the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.
- The Kids Health website lets parents know what to expect as their child grows. Learn how to understand and deal with a child's changing body and mind from infancy through the teen years. Kids Health also lists symptoms of the flu and offers advice to help your child avoid contracting this common winter illness.
- The One Tough Job website helps parents cope with questions and concerns they may experience as their child starts school.
- iParenting helps parents decide whether their child is ready for Kindergarten.
