top of page

Finding the Right Care

When choosing a provider that is right for your child can take some time. Many providers use waiting lists, especially for infants. Until you can schedule an interview with prospective caregiver(s) and visit their facility, you child shouldn't be left in their care. It takes time to visit several programs and talk with providers until you're confident with your choice. 

       

Take the Plunge and call the child care programs that you're interested in. See if their program has vacancy for your child's age and that they can provide care during the hours you need. After, schedule a time to tour their facility and meet with providers. Again, when looking, try and visit many different programs. Some programs may be better suited to you or your child's needs.  Licensed Providers can be found at: https://jobs.utah.gov/occ/cac/search/

Ask - Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you see all the areas in the program your child will be including the sleeping, outside, and eating area(s).

  • Caregivers and anyone over 12 years old PASS a required back check and fingerprinting

  • Staff completed ongoing training in areas like child development, health and safety and guidance.

  • The program follows rules for safe child-to-caregiver ratios and group sizes.

  • The facility meets health, sanitation and fire safety standards.

  • The program has emergency plans for fire, evacuation, lockdowns, illness, etc

  • The program is monitored through inspections and compliance reviews

  • Parents can look up licensing and any substantiated complaints.

 

Look - Spend sometime in the program observing the interactions between caregivers and children. Are the caregivers warm and welcoming? Do caregivers engage in conversation with the children? Do caregivers read to children? Check out this clip to see positive teacher interaction throughout a creative curriculum day.

 

Count - Be sure to ask how many children there are per provider (provider to child ratios). You will want to inquire about how much individual/ group attention you child will get through the day. In some settings there are fewer children per provider which may be better for your child's needs. Find out more about child care ratios below. 

 

Question the Staff -  Ask about the caregivers’ training, education and experience. Caregivers with training and/or degrees that encompass working with children may be better able to help your child learn. Check how long caregivers have been providing care at that program. Consistency typically helps children adjust better to a new program; so it may be best if your child can stay with the same caregiver at least a year.

Child Care Ratios

There are different types of licensed and regulated child care programs in Utah. Below is information on each type to assist in you making an informed decision.

Family Child Care means a provider is licensed to do child care in their home. The adult/child ratios are 1 adult to 8 children with no more than 3 children under the age of 2.  One child must be 18 months or older. The caregivers own children count in that ratio until they turn 4 years of age. Must follow all licensing rules including:  Background check for all household members 12 years old and up, First Aid/CPR, Required Training and Inspections.

 

Family Group Child Care means a provider is licensed to do child care in their home. The adult/ratios are 2 adults to 9-16 children with no more than 6 children under the age of 2.  Two children must be 18 months or older.. The caregivers own children count in that ratio until they turn 4 years of age. Must follow all licensing rules including:  Background check for all household members 12 years old and up, First Aid/CPR, Required Training and Inspections.

 

Residential Certified (RC) means a provider is regulated to do child care in their home. The adult/child ratios are 1 adult to 8 children with no more than 2 children under the age of 2. The caregivers own children count in that ratio until they turn 3 years of age. RC is considered a lower standard than a license because of difference in ratios, group size, caregiver training and outdoor equipment standards. Click here to see a comparison between RC and Licensed Family Child Care. Must follow all licensing rules including:  Background check for all household members 12 years old and up, First Aid/CPR, Required Training and Inspections.

 

Child Care Center means childcare provided in a non-residential setting on a regular schedule. The number of children allowed will be determined by the facility's total square footage. 

​

Legally Unlicensed means the provider is not licensed. Ratio 1:8 no more than 2 under 3 years old.  Only the provider is required to have a back ground check, but can operate without a clean background.  Please ask if they passed their background check.  No First Aid/CPR, No Training, No Fire Inspection and No oversite.  . 

 

School Age Only Child Care  is provided in a non-residential setting for school age children only (ages 5-12). Some programs may be legally licensed exempt.  Many licensed centers and licensed family child care programs also take school age children. The Care About Childcare website only lists programs that are licensed.

Search for Care

Through Care About Childcare you can search for individualized care. You will find the providers General Information, Department of Health Child Care Licensing Record, Care About Childcare Quality Indicators, Professional Development, Children with Special Needs, and a message from the  provider along with photos.

https://careaboutchildcare.utah.gov/parent/search.aspx

Child Care Development Fund

Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Inc. Child Care Development Fund

    The Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Inc., Child Care Development Fund program, in coordination with the Confederated Tribes of Goshute, will begin providing child care assistance to American Indian/Alaska Native families in the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area! I.T.C.F. C.C.D.F can reimburse up to 90% of child care costs. Visit their website at www.childcareNV.com or call them at (775) 355 - 0600

 

Eligibility: 

 

    To be eligible for child care assistance:

 

Child must be:

  •  12 years of age or younger. 

  •  Of American Indian/Alaska Native decent. 

Parent must be:

  • Employed full-time/part-time.

  • Enrolled in educational courses

  • Enrolled in job training program 

bottom of page