As many schools still cancel classes because of weather or illness, parents are tasked with the tough decision of finding childcare.
Katherine Glenn-Applegate, the Senior Specialist of Early Learning at Action for Children, says central Ohio has a limited number of childcare providers that offer drop-in service, so the best advice is to plan ahead.
She recommends to still vet those emergency or drop-in facilities as you would those daily providers.
“Childcare is where children spend a lot of time and having a secure, safe environment is really important to a child’s long term well being,” Glenn-Applegate says.
She says parents, regardless of where they decide to send their child in those emergency situations, should follow the 5 C’s
- Count – Look at the number of children in a group.
- Content – Are there activities to help your child learn?
- Caregiver – Is this someone you feel will keep you child save and cared for?
- Contract - Before you sign a contract, have everything in writing.
- Communication – How will the parents get information or communicate with a care giver?