Who’s Watching Your Child?

Choosing a good caregiver for a child is one of the most important decisions a parent will make.

?It was a tough decision. It was scary thinking this person is going to be looking after my daughter,? said one mother.

She interviewed several people before taking her daughter to a licensed day care provider in Colorado Springs.

?I walked in and knew instantly, this is where I want my daughter,? she said.

Alma Wiley is a licensed childcare provider and is a firm advocate of making sure parents know how to look up her license.

Wiley tells parents to look around and explore the environment to make sure it?s comfortable for your child.

?If they are crying every time they?re dropped off after two weeks, there is a sign that says they are not happy,? said Wiley.

Making sure a childcare provider is trained is also important.

Deana Hunt, executive director of Child Care Connections, said education is extremely important when it comes to child-abuse and neglect.

?Infants and toddlers are at an increased risk for child abuse just because they can?t communicate their needs,? said Deana Hunt, executive director of Child Care Connections.

In 2011, there were seven child abuse deaths in Colorado Springs.

Hunt is hoping to lower that number by providing parents with resources.

Child Care Connections is a referral agency that helps parents to find quality childcare providers. It also provides training to improve childcare.

?You never want to say you can?t trust your family, but that little education goes a long way,? said Hunt.

For more information on Child Care Connections, click here