Communicating effectively with a child care provider

Good communication skills may prevent or quickly resolve problems related to child care. Try incorporating the following suggestions to help maintain or improve communication with your child's care provider:

• Make sure the provider knows how to contact you at all times, especially for an emergency. Respond promptly when you are contacted.
• Visit the child care center unannounced (or arrive home early if you have an in-home child care provider) to see how things are going. If you use an in-home provider, ask for daily schedules and reports.
• Talk with your provider frequently about your child's behavior. If you notice new problem behaviors, talk with your child care provider as soon as possible. Also, be sure to tell the provider when changes occur in your family that may affect your child's behavior.
• Volunteer to help with activities and parties. Let your provider know that you are interested in your child's experiences.

If you have any concerns, make an appointment to discuss them with your child care provider or the director of the child care center.