Parent to Parent: Rating Child Care

WSVN -- Myesha Mitchell is a single working mom who's also going to school, so when it came to choosing a child care center for her 4-year old daughter, she was very picky.

Myesha Mitchell: "Kayla she's my first child, so of course you're nervous looking for a child care daycare."

Simone Bradley was also worried about finding the best place for her child.

Simone Bradley: "I was concerned about the quality of the daycare."

Both ended up at Liberty Academy.

Sarah Brazier: "Our goal was to have a very high quality child care services provided in a relatively low-income area."

Sarah and her husband who own Liberty Academy wanted to provide families in the community the best child care possible. So they decided to take part in a program called Quality Counts, a five star rating system that grades child care centers based on teacher qualifications, curriculum, cleanliness and parental involvement.

Sarah Brazier: "It's a five star rating system that looks at quality standards, that looks at providing support to child care centers."

Funded by the Children's Trust, the program allows parents to check the rating of a daycare so they can make an educated decision on where to put their kids.

Bevone Ritchie: "It's something they can relate to, like if you're looking for a quality hotel, or a restaurant."

When Liberty Academy was first evaluated, the center received a three star rating.

Bevone Ritchie: "The analysis they give you it's very detailed, very defined, so you know exactly where your shortcomings are and then we can make those improvements."

After those improvements were made, the center received a 4.5 rating. Parents could see their children's' progress.

Simone Bradley: "She knew her seasons, her months of the year. She knew her date of birth, she knew her phone number and how to write her name."

And most importantly, parents can have peace of mind knowing their child is in good hands while they're at work.

Lynn Martinez: "Sarah says parents should research daycare facilities on-line and visit the center in person before choosing the right one for their child."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

The Children's Trust:
http://www.childrenstrust.org/
Helpline: Dial 211

Liberty Academy:
www.libertydaycare.com