The Quest for Quality Care

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA TALSMA

The journey of parenthood is filled with heart-melting milestones, from the first smile to those wobbly first steps and, of course, your little one’s first word. Yet, amidst these joyous moments, there is one thing that most parenting classes and books fail to mention, and that’s the quest for child care. With 90% of brain development occurring between birth and 5 years, the importance of choosing quality care is paramount. However, this process can be overwhelming, with long waitlists and the challenge of securing your preferred choice. This article aims to offer guidance for new and expecting parents to hopefully make this quest a little less stressful.

Be Proactive:

The key to finding quality child care lies in starting your search early and gathering pertinent information along the way. Start by addressing some fundamental questions about your family’s needs, such as work schedules, family leave duration, values, preferred child care settings and location preferences. This self-reflection will serve as a foundation for making informed decisions later on.

Understand Your Needs:

Once you have a clear understanding of your family’s unique child care needs and preferences, you can embark on the search. Luckily you aren’t alone: Your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency is ready and available to help you explore resources and can provide a tailored list of child care providers that meet your specific criteria, making the search a little easier. Montana residents can find a list of local CCR&R agencies and how to contact them at [www.dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/ChildCare/ ChildCareResourceandReferral].

Connecting with Providers:

Use social media to connect with legally operating child care providers, nannies and early childhood educators. Engaging through these platforms enables direct communication and allows you to gain insight into their approach to child care.

Understanding Costs:

Be mindful of the costs associated with securing child care. Many facilities charge a fee when adding your child to their waitlist, and some require a deposit to hold their spot. Inquire about these fees up front and factor them into your decision-making process. Deposits may vary, so understanding the financial commitment beforehand will help you plan accordingly.

Seeking Assistance:

Waitlist fees can add up quickly, especially with the child care shortage Montana is facing, and you may find yourself putting your child on multiple waitlists. This can be stressful, so if you see yourself lying awake at night fretting about waitlist fees and deposits, reach out to your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R). Organizations like Child Care Connections, which serve Park, Meagher, Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, and Jefferson County, may be able to provide support, ensuring that financial constraints do not compromise your child’s access to safe and quality care.

As you get ready for the arrival of your little one, keep in mind that finding child care is just another milestone. Begin your search early, take the time to understand your family’s unique needs and connect with local resources so you can make informed decisions that align with your values and preferences. Remember you are not alone in this journey—whether you’re contemplating starting a family or if you are well into the later stages of pregnancy, it’s never too late to begin the quest for quality child care, and your local CCR&R can offer valuable guidance.

Visit Child Care Connections at www. cccmontana.org for a child care referral list, resources on picking the right child care program for your family or more information on scholarships.