Child Care Partnership

Ensure that potential child care provider meets standards for quality and safety by checking their licensing, certifications, staff qualifications, and adherence to local regulations. Look for quality ratings or accreditation from recognized organizations, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Investigate the provider’s reputation through reviews, testimonials, and references. Speaking to other employers who have partnered with the provider, or current families using the center, can also offer valuable insights into their quality and safety standards.

A key consideration around child care partnership will be ensuring that the provider has enough capacity to meet a meaningful proportion of the demand from your organization. If the potential partner is at capacity, consider options to partner with them to expand their existing capacity by growing their footprint or offering supplementary hours that meet employees' needs.

Choose a child care partner that is conveniently located near the workplace or along common commuting routes to minimize commute times. Evaluate the availability of transportation options, such as employer-provided shuttles or public transit access, to ensure ease of access. Ensure the partner’s operating hours align with employees’ work schedules, considering extended hours, weekend care, or flexible scheduling to accommodate varying needs.

Assess the range of services provided, such as full-time care, part-time care, drop-in care, and special programs for infants, toddlers, and older children. Ensure the services align with the needs of your employees. Check that the provider offers programs tailored to different age groups, from infants to preschoolers. Age-appropriate programs ensure that children receive care and education suited to their developmental stage.

Many states maintain a database of licensing visits and compliance inspections. Confirm adherence to health and safety standards, such as maintaining a clean environment, proper sanitation and emergency preparedness. Verify staff qualifications, background checks, and ongoing professional development, ensuring they are trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency response. Check that the provider maintains mandated child-to-staff ratios and monitor compliance through regular audits.

Ensure the child care partner has comprehensive general liability and professional liability insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and claims of negligence. Review coverage limits for adequacy and verify that all staff are covered. Include indemnification clauses in the contract to specify the partner’s responsibility for legal costs and damages in lawsuits, clearly defining the circumstances requiring indemnification.

Develop detailed contracts that outline the responsibilities and expectations of both the employer and the child care partner, covering services, pricing, payment terms, and agreement duration. Specify procedures for modifying or terminating the agreement, including notice periods and penalties. Include service level agreements with defined quality and performance standards, and establish metrics for measuring compliance. Define a clear dispute resolution process, including mediation and arbitration, and specify the jurisdiction and governing law. Provide for regular reviews and evaluations of the partnership and outline the contract renewal process, incorporating any necessary updates.