Dear Dorie,

The youngest of my three children is 18 months old and I’d like to go back to work. How do I begin the search for child care?

Ready to Roll



Dear Ready,

Congratulations on raising three children, although I’d have to say you’ve been “at work” for the last few years, possibly the hardest work you’ll ever do and definitely the most valuable.

Your child care search begins with a few questions: your schedule demands (full-time or part-time, for example); your preference for home-based versus center-based child care; licensing and accreditation concerns; costs and good old gut instinct.

In our area, your first stop should be the “Connections for Children” Web site (www.connectionsforchildren.org). They are our local child care referral service and they are dedicated to helping parents in the selection of quality child care. They will give you a list of a few providers at a time that match your criteria. It is your job to research each site and choose the best match for you and your family. This is where the gut instinct comes in.

You’ll want to see a clean and safe physical environment with organized space for play (inside and out), as well as a cheerful atmosphere. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so follow your instinct about where your child would be happy. You’ll also want to look for age-appropriate routines and materials. Definitely secure and call references — if they don’t provide them, walk away — period!

Above all, watch the children in the program. Quality child care oozes happy and confident children. That’s the stuff you really want to see. Good luck.

Dorie

Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Submit your questions to meek@smmusd.org.