Choosing a childcare site is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. From North Port to Newtown, you have a variety of options, including childcare centers and family childcare homes. Finding one that aligns with your values and needs can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County comes in—connecting you with FREE tools and resources to help navigate this decision with confidence.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose high-quality care that best fits your family:
1. Check for Licensing and Violations
The first step in selecting a childcare provider is ensuring they meet the necessary standards for health and safety. In Sarasota County we have local licensing, which means the county Health Department oversees licensing for childcare centers. After an inspection, the report is then inputted into the CARES portal hosted by Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Before considering a provider, you can check and see if your top choices have any red flags with licensing violations by visiting: https://caressearch.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch
2. Schedule a Tour and Ask Key Questions
Nothing gives you a better sense of a childcare center than by visiting in person. Most providers offer tours, and it’s the perfect opportunity to assess the environment, observe interactions, and ask important questions. Are the classrooms clean and well-organized? Do the children seem happy? Are the teachers engaged? These are the kinds of observations that will help you gauge whether the facility is the right fit for you and your little one.
To make sure you’re covering all your bases, download and use the childcare tour checklists.
For Childcare Centers:
https://earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Quality-Checklist-Centers.pdf
For Family Childcare Homes:
https://earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Quality-Checklist-Family-Child-Care-Homes.pdf
These checklists will guide you through key questions to ask, like staff qualifications, curriculum structure, and safety protocols.
3. Review CLASS Scores
CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) scores offer valuable insight into the quality of interactions between teachers and children. Ranging from 1-7 with 7 being the best, high CLASS scores indicate a high-quality environment that fosters learning, emotional support, and engagement. When researching childcare centers and family childcare homes in Sarasota County, make sure to check their most recent CLASS assessments.
You can view up-to-date CLASS scores for local providers on the ELC’s website: https://earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org/class-score-2023 This list can help you gauge the level of care and education your child will receive.
4. Look for “Look for the Stars” Ratings
If a childcare provider participates in the Look for the Stars program, they will have a star rating that reflects the quality of their care. Centers with higher star ratings have demonstrated excellence in areas like child development, staff qualifications, and positive teacher-child interactions. Choosing a provider that participates in this program can give you added peace of mind that your child is in an enriching and engaging environment.
Check the star ratings of local providers on the Look for the Stars website here. https://lookforthestars.org/star-providers/
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select the city of your childcare location. This rating system is yet another free tool in helping you narrow down your choices.
Finding Child Care in Sarasota Florida
Choosing the right childcare option in Sarasota requires research, observation, and careful consideration. By using tools like DCF’s licensing check, CLASS scores, and Look for the Stars ratings, you can ensure that the provider you choose meets your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to schedule tours and ask as many questions as necessary to feel confident in your decision. With the right approach, you’ll find a safe and nurturing environment where your child can thrive.
Questions?
941-954-4830 x106
