Early Care and Education

Quality Child Care

There are free services that will help you find quality child care.

Here are a few tips to help make for a smooth transition:

  • Visit the child care center of home and talk to the caregiver.
  • Ask to speak with other parents about their experience with the caregiver.
  • If you are going back to work, prepare yourself emotionally.  Take some time to think about the positive reasons you are going back.  Also, think about how you will feel when you leave your child for the first day and how you will handle those feelings.
  • If possible, return to work gradually by working a few hours or a few days at a time.
  • Make a list of things your child will need each day.  Shop ahead and have a good supply of basics like diapers and formula.
  • Follow a morning schedule that includes time with your child, if possible.
  • Give your caregiver written information about your child, including eating and sleeping routines and things your child likes to do.
  • Put a photo of you and other family members in with your child’s belongings.

The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies suggests the following five questions for families to ask before selecting care:

  • What is the adult child ratio? For babies, the recommendation is no more than 1:4—one adult for every four babies.  For a 4-year-old , it is no more than 1:10.
  • What is the group size? The NACCRRA says smaller is better.
  • What are the caregiver qualifications? Does the caregiver have a degree or special training in early childhood education?
  • What is the turnover? It can be hard on a child if caregivers come and go.
  • Is the program accredited? If it is accredited, it means it has met voluntary quality standards that are typically higher than state licensing requirements.
The nonprofit organization Zero to Three has also developed a checklist for parents to consider as they visit child care settings.  Do caregivers speak to the children, even babies?  How does the caregiver feel about discipline?  For the full list and additional resources, click here.

Tuition Free Preschool

Why should I consider preschool for my child?

Preschool is an important step to prepare your child for future success.  A high quality preschool can help get your child ready to read and ready to learn.  Research shows children who attend a quality preschool program often have better social skills (such as being able to follow a routine and get along with others), better test scores and are less likely to repeat a grade.

There are two tuition-free preschool programs in Kent County:  the Great Start Readiness Program and Head Start.

Head Start is for 3- and 4-year-old children.  Families must meet income guidelines.  To learn more about Head Start, contact Head Start for Kent County online or at 616-453-4145 or 800-472-6994.

The Great Start Readiness Program is for eligible 4-year-old children.  Most school districts in Kent County, as well as some community agencies, have a GSRP preschool program.  If you would like to learn more, contact your local school district.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

The first day of kindergarten is one of the most exciting days in a young child’s life, but it can also be a bit scary and overwhelming.  There are many things you can do to help your child get ready for kindergarten.  The Michigan Department of Education has a few suggestions:

  • Maintain a daily routine that includes mealtimes, snacks, and bedtimes.
  • Be sure your child’s shots and health check-ups are current.
  • Make sure your child has plenty of play and outdoor time.
  • Play with your child.
  • Listen to your child.
  • Talk to your child.
  • Read to your child.
  • Write with your child.

In Michigan, children must turn 5 on or before December 1 to enroll in kindergarten.  You may have a lot of questions as your child starts school.  Should you consider Young 5’s or developmental kindergarten?  What will your child do in kindergarten?  How can you help your child become a reader?  The Michigan Department of Education has put together a series of “parent guides” to help answer those questions.

Click here for more information.