Video Transcripts

Lots of people know Head Start and Early Head Start are great places for babies and young children, but Head Start is so much more. Head Start cares about your whole family.

(first parent story)

Once my kids were all in Head Start and Early Head Start, I wanted to go back to work, but I was scared—would anyone want to hire me after being at home for so long? The staff at Head Start suggested I get some experience by joining the Policy Council. I was nervous, but I did it. I became really confident sharing my opinions about how to improve our Head Start program. One of the other community members on the council told me about a job opening in town, and I got hired.

(second parent story)

When we moved to the United States, we felt completely alone. A refugee program helped us sign up for Early Head Start. It was amazing. Our home visitor worked with us to teach our daughter both Arabic and English. But what really surprised me were the monthly gatherings with other families in the program. The other parents were so welcoming, like we were part of a new family.

(third parent story)

We were thrilled when we got our foster son, James, but we struggled to adjust to the needs of a four-year-old. He was going through a lot. Head Start was just what we needed. The staff were very sensitive to his circumstances. James was learning so much and got to play games with children his own age. We were worried because he didn’t seem to talk as much as a four-year-old should. His teacher arranged to get him evaluated for speech therapy. I was so grateful his teacher was willing to listen to my concerns and really help us.

Head Start is welcoming. Head Start cares. Thank you, Head Start.

To learn more about free or low-cost programs at Head Start and Early Head Start, search for the Head Start Locator online or call 866-763-6481.

Hello parents and welcome to this video all about selecting child care. We are from the Resource and Referral Department at the Child Development program in Pomona Unified School District and we are so glad you are here. We hope this video helps you understand all your child care choices and makes you feel confident when it is time to choose the best care for your child. Choosing quality child care is one of the most important decisions you will make here at Pomona Unified School District. Our Resource and Referral team firmly believes that parents know their children best. You are the expert on your child and you are the only one who can truly decide which child care provider is the right fit for your family. It is important to know that our office does not recommend any specific provider.

What we do is give you a list of providers that is randomly selected from our computer referral database. From there, the power is in your hands. We strongly encourage you to visit any child care program you are considering. Take a tour, ask questions, and make your own careful decision. Remember quality child care can be found in many different settings. The key is to think about what kind of environment best meets your child's unique needs and fits your family's preferences. And always, always trust your instincts. You know your child and you know what supports their well-being. Let us dive into the different types of child care providers you might encounter. First, there are licensed child care programs. You might be familiar with child care centers like Tutor Time or Kinder Care. These are typically larger facilities. Then you have family child care homes. A large family child care home might serve up to 14 children. While a small family child care home may serve up to eight. Some of these family homes even offer 24-hour care, which can be a lifesaver for parents with non-traditional work schedules.

Beyond licensed care, there are also licensed exempt centers. These often include programs run by organizations like the YMCA or or even programs right within a school district. Another option is license exempt individuals. This could be a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, or a trusted friend who cares for your child. It is important to note that some of these individuals may need to be Trustlined. This is a process that requires them to get a background check and be cleared to ensure your child's safety. Now that you know the types of care, what should you look for when you visit? As you are touring different programs, here are some important questions to ask yourself. First is the environment healthy and safe. Look around. Does it feel clean? Are there any obvious hazards?

Next, What are the qualifications of the teachers and staff? Do not be shy about asking about their education experience and training in early childhood development. And how many children are there for each adult? This is the adult to child ratio. Lower ratios are generally better especially for younger children. Think about the practical things too. Are meals and snacks provided? If so, are they nutritious? How close is the location to your home or work? A convenient location can make a huge difference in your daily routine. Is transportation available to and from your child's school if you need it?

If your child has special needs, ask how the provider supports them? What specific training or resources do they have? It is also great to ask about the daily routine. Is there a predictable schedule for play meals and naps? Is there a curriculum? A curriculum provides a plan for learning. But more importantly, is that curriculum actually being used? Look for evidence of planned activities and learning opportunities. Take a good look at the indoor and outdoor areas. Are they stimulating and safe? Are there enough materials for all the children? And are those materials developmentally appropriate? Meaning, they are right for the age of the children using them. Finally, check for separate, clean areas for specific activities like diapering, sleeping, or resting. And of course, exploring and playing.

Once you have chosen a provider, your involvement does not stop. Here is how you can make the most of your child care experience. First, keep open communication with your provider. Talk to them regularly about your child's day, their progress, and any concerns you might have. Try to get to know the other parents, too. They can be a great source of support and information. Be involved in your child's care. Whether it is volunteering for a special event or just participating in daily drop-offs and pickups. With intention, your presence matters. And of course a practical tip: pay your fees on time if you're paying privately. If you are in a subsidized program --- and subsidized just means that the government helps pay for your child care --- make sure you follow your authorized hours and dates exactly as they are listed in your agreement.

It is also crucial to know your rights and responsibilities as a parent. First, you have the right to choose your provider type. Whether it is a center, a family, a home, or a friend. The choice is yours. You also have the right to change providers whenever you feel it is necessary for your family. And, you have the right to an open door policy. Which means you can visit your child at the facility at any time during operating hours. Always review the provider's policies carefully before you sign anything. And talk with the provider often. You also have the right to report any concerns you might have to community care licensing or other authorities. Along with these rights come responsibilities. You must check in often to make sure the care your child is receiving is truly in their best interest. Keep that communication open and stay involved. Now, I want to take a moment to explain a very important piece of legislation called Oliver's Law. Oliver's Law gives parents the right to get information about any substantiated or inconclusive complaints made against a child care provider they are considering or using.

This information is public record. To get it, you can simply call your local community care licensing office. For those in Los Angeles County, the phone number is 3-2-3-9-8-1-3-3-5-0 and for our families in San Bernardino County the number is 9-5-1-7-8-2 4-2-0-0. We highly recommend you make this call for any provider you are seriously considering. We know this is a lot of information, but we are here to help you every step of the way. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to call our main office at 9-0-9 3-9-7-4-7-4-0 and use extension 2-5-0-3-0. You can also visit our office in person. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays open until 6:00 p.m. We truly hope this information has been helpful as you begin the important journey of choosing the child care provider that is best for your child and your family. Thank you so much for watching.