Quality Child Care
Are you looking for quality care for your child? If so, you aren’t alone. More than 60% of all infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Kent County have both parents in the workforce and are cared by someone other than their parents or guardians.
The Early Childhood Investment Corporation has launched a new system of online early learning resources called Great Start CONNECT, including a new statewide database of the 14,000 licensed/registered child care and early education programs in Michigan. Click here to learn more about Great Start CONNECT.
So what should you look for when selecting care for your child? Kent Regional 4C and the West Michigan community developed standards for child care and early education. Included among them:
The Caregivers:
- Interact with children often
- Treat all children with respect and consideration
- Help children develop responsibility, self-control, turn-taking and problem solving
The Environment or the Program:
- Is based on child development theories and the individual child’s interests
- Includes all children regardless of ability or need
- Offers a balanced daily schedule—quiet/active; inside/outside; neat/messy
The Partnership with Parents:
- Provides information about the facility’s philosophy and goals for children
- Has an “open-door” policy—parents are welcome any time
- Caregivers and parents work together to make decisions about the child’s growth and development
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.
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 Michigan Family Resources 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.
- Byron Center Public Schools
- Caledonia Community Schools
- Cedar Springs Public Schools
- Comstock Park Public Schools
- Godfrey Lee Public Schools
- Godwin Heights Public Schools
- Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Grandville Public Schools
- Kelloggsville Public Schools
- Kenowa Hills Public Schools
- Kent City Community Schools
- Kentwood Public Schools
- Lowell Area Schools
- Northview Public Schools
- Sparta Area Schools
- Thornapple Kellogg
- Wyoming Public Schools
- West Michigan Academy of Environmental Sciences
- Grand Rapids Community College Laboratory Preschool
- United Methodist Community House
- YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
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.