Child Care Referral Services

Our child care referral services are available from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, by calling (802)334-4072 or toll-free at (877)722-6680. We also invite you to visit our office at 32 Central Street in Newport, to discuss your child care needs.

Our child care services are free and confidential.

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5 Steps to Finding Quality Child Care

Begin your child care search as far in advance as possible. While it is not always possible to do so, due to circumstances beyond your control, generally the longer and more thorough your search can be, the better. A relaxed and careful search offers the best results.
Talk about your search and your needs. Contact our agency to discuss your needs and also speak with neighbors, family and friends to see what information they may be able to offer about their experiences.
When you have received profiles from our office, call providers who interest you and ask for a time to speak with them. Requesting information via phone during child care hours can be difficult. The provider's job is to attend to the children in his/her care. Ask if you can make an appointment to chat during evening or weekend hours. If you find that you would like to pursue the contact, ask to visit the facility.
Make your choice of providers. Being a wise consumer of child care means asking all the questions that you have. If you are unsure about a policy or something you are seeing - ASK for an explanation or more information.
Stay involved once your children have entered care. A moment to discuss pertinent issues at drop off or pick up may make for a more comfortable day for everyone involved. Volunteer to chaperone a field trip or to come in to lead a story hour. All children in care will benefit from your participation.

REQUIRED STAFF RATIOS

Early Childhood Programs and School Age Programs

Ages Max. in group Staff:Child

6 weeks - 23 mos 8 1:4

24 mos - 35 mos 10 1:5

3 yrs - Kindergarten 20 1:10

1st grade - 15 years no min. 1:13

Registered Home

The registrant is allowed to have up to 6 children full time, only 2 of the children may be under 2. The registrant is allowed to have up to 4 additional school-age children, before and after school.

Licensed Child Care Homes may care for up to 12 children. Two caregivers must be present when the number of children exceeds 6. No more than 2 children under the age of 24 months per staff person.

View additional Quality Indicators below

Quality child care can make a big difference in your child's future. By choosing quality care now, you give your child a head start on a strong mind and body. Our goal is to assist you in your child care search.

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What types of care are available in my area?

Registered child care homes provide services in an individual person’s home. The registered provider provides the majority of the care to the children. This provider must meet Vermont’s regulations for quality and safety in registered homes.
Licensed homes are early childhood programs licensed for up to 12 children in the residence of the licensee where the licensee is one of the primary caregivers. Must meet Vermont’s regulations for quality and safety in licensed homes.
Early Childhood Programs and School Age Programs include part-day and full-day programs, after-school programs and preschools. Must meet Vermont’s regulations for quality and safety in licensed child care.
Legally Exempt Care - a person providing care for the children of not more than two families that are eligible for child care subsidy. The provider must pass a criminal records check and meet minimal Vermont health and safety standards.
Unregulated care is a person providing care for children of not more than two families and is exempt from licensure. The State of Vermont does not regulate any nanny or Au Pair services.
Non-recurring care is provided specifically to meet the short-term needs of families arising from tourism, recreation or shopping.

Disclaimer

Child care programs for whom we offer referrals are chosen based upon your stated needs. We attempt to give you up-to-date information. We share descriptions of the programs as referrals, NOT as advice or recommendations. You should always visit before deciding on a child care program.

If you have concerns about the services provided by our office, you may contact the Vermont Child Development Division at
1-800-649-2642.

Concerns about child care providers and facilities may be reported to the Vermont Child Care Consumer Concern Line
1-800-540-7942

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How to Find Quality Child Care

Quality child care exists, but locating this care is often time-consuming and can be confusing. We are committed to helping parents find the most accurate information on locating quality care in our communities. Our goal is to not only assist you in locating care, but also in becoming a wise consumer of child care.

We are a Child Care Aware Quality Assured Agency

What Do I Look for in Quality Child Care?

Can the provider care for my child when I need care?
What will he/she do with my child all day?
Is the child care facility the kind of place I want my child to be in?
Does the provider have the patience and extra love to care for my child?
What will I do if he/she does something I don't like?
Am I comfortable talking with the provider about sensitive issues?

Adapted from Child Care & You

All referrals given by our office will be to child care professionals who are regulated by the State of Vermont.

The State of Vermont maintains the Child Care Consumer Concern Line, which provides a two-fold service. It is an avenue for anyone to voice concerns, and a place for parents to learn if a provider has had recent regulatory violations.

You may reach the Consumer Concern Line toll-free in Vermont at

1-800-540-7942

Email Referrals are available by using the link below

Contact our staff by using this link to initiate an email referral.

A word about Guidance and Discipline...

All regulated child care providers are expected to use guidance that is appropriate to each child's level of development. The shall use only positive methods of guidance and discipline.

Child care providers shall NOT use any form of inappropriate discipline or corporal punishment such as, but not limited to: hitting, biting, spanking, withholding necessary food, water, rest or toilet use, inflicting mental or emotional punishment such as humiliating, shaming, threatening or frightening a child.


	*Caregiver Qualifications* Ask your prospective provider about their training and education. Is the caregiver involved in activities to imporve their skills? Do they attend classes and workshops? In Vermont a registered provider must attend a minimum of 6 training hours per year. Source: Child Care Aware and VT Regulations Turnover Check how long the caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. Getting used to new caregivers take time an energy that could be spent on learning new thing. It's best if children stay with the same caregiver at least a year. Source: Child Care Aware Accreditation Finding out if the child car provider has been acredited by a national organization. Providers that are accredited have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the two largest organizations that accredit child care programs. Source: Child Care Aware STARS is a Vermont initiative designed to expand the ways providers are rewarded for program quality. Health and Safety One of the most essential services for children is to ensure their safety and well-being. Indoor and outdoor areas should be free of dangerous conditions and materials. Caregivers should teach children about safety and comfort children when they are hurt. Caregivers should be attentive and have the skills and knowledge to prevent injuries and to handle emergencies, accidents, and injuries appropriately when they occur. In a safe environment, children will learn gradually to protect themselves and look out for other. Source: CDA Assessment System and Competency Standards Vermont child care providers must hold a current certification in Infant/Child CPR.