SEEKING QUALITY CHILD CARE

As a working parent you probably know that seeking quality child care for your children can be a time consuming task. Selecting a provider usually requires considering the full range of services that are available locally before deciding which setting seems best suited to your needs.

As a State of Vermont employee, you can receive expert assistance with this search through the Child Care Resource -- free of cost.

THE CHILD CARE RESOURCE

The Child Care Resource provides parents of infants and children (through age 12) with assistance in locating suitable child care by supplying information and referrals to child care providers. As a State employee you can receive assistance with your search for child care, regardless of where you live. A network of resource and referral agencies is located throughout the State. Each agency specializes in the unique services of its geographic area.

HOW TO USE THE SERVICE

To use the service, simply call the agency which serves your local area, weekdays during regular business hours. (A complete list of agency phone numbers is included in this brochure.) Identify yourself as a State employee, provide the child care specialist with your employee identification number, and outline your child care needs.

The specialist will request various details such as the ages of your children, the type of care you are considering, preferred location, the hours you need care, and any cost limitations you may have. The specialist can help you outline specific questions and concerns to discuss with a prospective child care provider, or advise you to be aware of certain features when you visit a program. These suggestions can help you better judge the quality of the care being offered. You will receive information about the availability of the type of care you prefer or other child care options within your area. Whenever possible, you will be given referrals to at least three child care providers. Some child care providers offer reduced rates to state employees. Consult with the specialist regarding the availability of such arrangements in your area.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

In addition to the phone conference, the child care specialist will send you a written confirmation of the referrals plus an information booklet that describes key elements of finding and keeping quality child care.

Before contacting the child care providers on your list, you may wish to outline several questions to discuss with them. This initial contact should help you to identify the providers you are most interested in. Visiting those programs is a necessary step which will provide you with an opportunity to gather more information and request references.

If the initial referrals do not meet your needs, or if you have other questions, contact the service again. Additional contacts to the service are free and unlimited.

SERVICE LIMITATIONS

As a parent and primary care giver for your child, the ultimate responsibility for choosing a child care provider rests with you. The child care specialists cannot identify the specific provider or program that best suits the needs of your child. They can, however, furnish you with helpful knowledge and some useful tools for making your selection an informed one.

CHILD CARE RESOURCE SERVICE AGENCIES - 01/07

ADDISON COUNTY
Mary Johnson Children's Center
81 Water Street
Middlebury, VT 05753
388-4304

BENNINGTON COUNTY
Bennington County Child Care Association
1522 East Road
Bennington, VT 05201
447-3778

CALEDONIA and ESSEX COUNTIES
Umbrella
970 Memorial Drive
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
748-8645

CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Child Care Resource & Referral Center
181 Commerce Street
Williston, VT 05495
863-3367
1-800-339-3367

FRANKLIN and GRAND ISLE COUNTIES
The Family Center
27 Lower Newton Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
524-6574
1-800-427-6574

LAMOILLE COUNTY
Lamoille Family Center
480 Cadys Falls Road
Morrisville, VT 05661
888-5229

NORTHERN WINDSOR/ ORANGE COUNTIES
Child Care Project
171/2 Lebenon Street, Suite 2
Hanover, NH 03755
1-800-323-5446
603-646-3233

ORLEANS COUNTY
North East Kingdom
Community Action
70 Main Street
Newport, VT 05855
334-4072

RUTLAND COUNTY
Vermont Achievment Center
88 Park Street
Rutland, VT 05702-6283
747-0033

SOUTHERN WINDSOR COUNTY
Springfield Area
Parent/Child Center
2 Main Street
North Springfield, VT 05156
885-5242
1-800-808-4442

WASHINGTON COUNTY
The Family Center of Washington County
32 College Street, Suite 100
Montpelier, VT 05602
828-8771, 828-8773

WINDHAM COUNTY
Windham Child Care Association
130 Birge St.
Brattleboro, VT 05301
254-5332

If you have difficulty reaching the agency in your area, please call 1-800-339-3367. Ask for the Contract Manager of the State Employees' Child Care Resource Service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact your personnel officer, or the Department of Human Resources at 828-2972 (e-mail Karin Pelletier), or call
1-800 287-8322.