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| How to Find the Right Child-Care Facility |
One of the most important decisions parents can make is selecting the most appropriate care solution for their young children, especially if both parents want to or have to work. Families relocating to Las Vegas will be pleased to know about the many choices available to them in the area. The following chapter provides information on the various types of child-care facilities available in the area, including learning about family child care and nannies; understanding how to make an educated and informed decision about selecting the right facility; and exploring the kinds of activities that are most suitable for your child.
In Las Vegas, a child-care license is required for all persons providing care to children in child-care centers, nurseries, preschools and family and group-care homes. All applications are reviewed by the Child Care Licensing Agency (www.daycare.com/nevada) and the Las Vegas City Council prior to approval.
DEFINING CHILD-CARE TERMS
As you research this topic, you’ll find that facilities can be described in the following ways.
Child-care centers are also known as nursery schools or preschools. Because these facilities are usually open early, they provide working parents with a dependable and practical setting in which to leave their children during the day. Many parents select this option because they want their children to be socialized with other children and to be taken care of by multiple caregivers. Child-care centers also provide more standardized programs, which can be important to parents. In researching Las Vegas Valley resources, you’ll find independent centers and nonprofit centers run by churches, universities or the community as well as franchised operations.
Family child-care facilities provide care services for children in the provider’s home. Typically, the caregiver also takes care of her own children at the same time. Nevada regulates family child care and mandates that only four of the children may be less than two years of age and only two of the children may be less than one year of age. Parents may select this option because they prefer a single caregiver, the facility is closer to home or work and it may be more affordable. The children may prefer the smaller setting in which they feel more secure because it’s more like their own home.
In-home caregivers also are called babysitters, nannies or housekeepers, and they take care of and watch a child in his or her own home. This is a choice among parents who believe their children not only will be more comfortable but safer and more secure under their own roof. With child care in the home, parents can be more aware of the interaction between the caregiver and the child, and it’s certainly more convenient. It’s also an option for children who have special needs.
The term kith and kin usually refers to child-care services provided by a family or extended-family member, such as a relative, friend or neighbor. Typically in this type of care, the child is taken care of in the caregiver’s or the child’s own home. It should be noted that many states do not regulate the care provided by relatives, friends and neighbors. In Nevada, if a person who is not a parent, grandparent or guardian cares for even one child within the state, that person must be a licensed child-care provider. For many parents, this option is ideal because the child is provided with a familiar, loving caregiver who is trusted by the parents and makes the child feel secure. A family member or close friend or neighbor also may be more likely to share the same values, which underscores a high level of trust. Often this type of caregiver previously has an established relationship with the child, which also makes the transition less distressing for all parties involved.
Sometimes parents use the kith and kin care option because their schedules, budgets or transportation problems limit their access to other child-care options. Parents who use this kind of care often consider themselves lucky to have a relative, friend or neighbor care for their children, especially when flexibility is needed. When weighing this option, one must consider how important peer socialization and a structured learning environment are to their child. Each child-care option may be better suited for some children than others so the decision is best made with this in mind. Perhaps a combination of care-giving selections will meet your and your child’s needs.
To find out more about all of the options and services available to you in the Las Vegas area, contact the city of Las Vegas’ child-care license division at (702) 229-6281. For starters, consider asking about the following:
The state of Nevada mandates that all-day child-care centers post menus and notify parents of communicable diseases. All facilities must meet the minimum standards established for the protection of the children receiving care. Licensed daycare centers in Las Vegas must have annual fire marshal inspections and monthly fire drills. Full-time employees must be certified in CPR and First Aid.
In Las Vegas, a child-care license is required for all persons providing care to children in child-care centers, nurseries, preschools and family and group-care homes. All applications are reviewed by the Child Care Licensing Agency (www.daycare.com/nevada) and the Las Vegas City Council prior to approval.
DEFINING CHILD-CARE TERMS
As you research this topic, you’ll find that facilities can be described in the following ways.
Child-care centers are also known as nursery schools or preschools. Because these facilities are usually open early, they provide working parents with a dependable and practical setting in which to leave their children during the day. Many parents select this option because they want their children to be socialized with other children and to be taken care of by multiple caregivers. Child-care centers also provide more standardized programs, which can be important to parents. In researching Las Vegas Valley resources, you’ll find independent centers and nonprofit centers run by churches, universities or the community as well as franchised operations.
Family child-care facilities provide care services for children in the provider’s home. Typically, the caregiver also takes care of her own children at the same time. Nevada regulates family child care and mandates that only four of the children may be less than two years of age and only two of the children may be less than one year of age. Parents may select this option because they prefer a single caregiver, the facility is closer to home or work and it may be more affordable. The children may prefer the smaller setting in which they feel more secure because it’s more like their own home.
In-home caregivers also are called babysitters, nannies or housekeepers, and they take care of and watch a child in his or her own home. This is a choice among parents who believe their children not only will be more comfortable but safer and more secure under their own roof. With child care in the home, parents can be more aware of the interaction between the caregiver and the child, and it’s certainly more convenient. It’s also an option for children who have special needs.
The term kith and kin usually refers to child-care services provided by a family or extended-family member, such as a relative, friend or neighbor. Typically in this type of care, the child is taken care of in the caregiver’s or the child’s own home. It should be noted that many states do not regulate the care provided by relatives, friends and neighbors. In Nevada, if a person who is not a parent, grandparent or guardian cares for even one child within the state, that person must be a licensed child-care provider. For many parents, this option is ideal because the child is provided with a familiar, loving caregiver who is trusted by the parents and makes the child feel secure. A family member or close friend or neighbor also may be more likely to share the same values, which underscores a high level of trust. Often this type of caregiver previously has an established relationship with the child, which also makes the transition less distressing for all parties involved.
Sometimes parents use the kith and kin care option because their schedules, budgets or transportation problems limit their access to other child-care options. Parents who use this kind of care often consider themselves lucky to have a relative, friend or neighbor care for their children, especially when flexibility is needed. When weighing this option, one must consider how important peer socialization and a structured learning environment are to their child. Each child-care option may be better suited for some children than others so the decision is best made with this in mind. Perhaps a combination of care-giving selections will meet your and your child’s needs.
To find out more about all of the options and services available to you in the Las Vegas area, contact the city of Las Vegas’ child-care license division at (702) 229-6281. For starters, consider asking about the following:
- A list of licensed child-care providers at a minimal cost
- Information on the license status, any complaints and all inspection records for all licensed child-care facilities
- Filing any complaints against a licensed child-care establishment
- Reporting an unlicensed establishment inside city limits
- Checking if a business is licensed
The state of Nevada mandates that all-day child-care centers post menus and notify parents of communicable diseases. All facilities must meet the minimum standards established for the protection of the children receiving care. Licensed daycare centers in Las Vegas must have annual fire marshal inspections and monthly fire drills. Full-time employees must be certified in CPR and First Aid.
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Nevada consistently ranks high among the favored states ...
