Early Learning & Child Care
 
 
   
   

Building Effective Child Care Partnerships

An effective child care partnership benefits the parent, the caregiver, and the child. There are several steps you can take, as a parent, to build a successful partnership with your caregiver.

Visit the child care facility

» Before you enroll your child

It is a good idea to spend some time at the child care facility before you enroll your child. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the program and observe the activities.

It is important to read any material the child care service gives to you so that you understand the facility's policies and requirements before you enroll your child.

For more information, refer to the brochure entitled, "A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Child Care Service".

» After you enroll your child

Once you have decided upon a child care arrangement, there are some things you can do to help your child adjust.

You can talk with your child about the change as far in advance as possible.

Visit the child care facility or home with your child so he or she can become familiar with the caregiver and the surroundings.

Discuss any concerns your child expresses about the new arrangement.

Establish a child care agreement

Whether choosing a licensed or unlicensed child care service, it is important to have an agreement, preferably in writing, between you and your caregiver. This helps to ensure that both you and the caregiver understand your individual expectations and responsibilities. Such an agreement would usually include items such as:

  • what time you will bring your child to the facility or home and when you will pick the child up
  • details regarding fees and payment arrangements;
  • extra costs for bringing your child early or picking your child up later than usual
  • a short list of people, other than yourself, who may pick the child up from the caregiver
  • who may administer medication to your child and under what circumstances
  • procedures for notifying the caregiver if you plan to withdraw your child; and
  • arrangements for alternate care if caregiver is unavailable.

The agreement marks the beginning of your child care partnership. All licensed child care services have forms for this purpose provided by the Department of Learning. Unlicensed homes may have their own forms or, a hand-written agreement may also work well.

Additional expectations and responsibilities

As part of the written agreement, or in addition to it, there may be some additional expectations and responsibilities that should be made clear at the start of the relationship. These may include:

Parental Responsibilities

  • Pay fees in full and on time
  • Bring and pick up your child at the times agreed upon
  • Notify the caregiver if you will be late or your child will be absent
  • Pick your child up promptly if he or she is ill
  • Keep a sick child at home
  • Notify your caregiver if someone other than yourself will pick your child up
  • Inform the caregiver about any changes in contact information, medical information, your child's behaviour, or family situation
  • Provide items such as clothing, diapers, food, etc., as necessary and agreed upon

Caregiver Responsibilities

  • Provide receipts for payment of fees
  • Provide any items or services stated in the agreement
  • Keep all information about the child and his or her family strictly confidential
  • Maintain a safe and healthy environment
  • Cooperate with parents regarding child management
  • Inform parent of any significant changes such as new family members or staff in the child care environment
  • Provide adequate notice of any change in the child care arrangement
  • Encourage parents to drop in and take part in activities

For more information about child care in Saskatchewan please contact the Early Learning and Child Care Branch office nearest you:

Regina - 787-4980
Saskatoon - 933-6071
Prince Albert - 953-3612
Moose Jaw - 694-3644
Weyburn - 848-2497
Yorkton - 786-5770
Meadow Lake - 236-7692
Swift Current - 778-8531
Melfort - 752-6164

or contact the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association - www.skearlychildhoodassociation.ca/

The following brochures are available from the Early Learning and Child Care Branch:

 

    
         
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