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Nadine Wimmer reportingIt's known as one of the best kept secrets around. But the state doesn't want it to be a secret. State workers want Utah parents to know there is a free, online database that can really help parents find the best daycare situation for their family.
State numbers show 51 percent of Utah preschool children who live with two parents have both parents in the workforce. Sixty-six percent of preschool children living with one parent also need daycare.
That's why finding good child care is a family issue.
The state's Child Care Resource and Referral Service has helped Utah families for 15 years, and now offers a data base of 600 licensed in-home and commercial centers.
Chris Bray/Child Care Resource Referal: "CHILDREN ARE DIFFERENT. A LOT OF THE DIFFERENT CHILD CARE PROGRAMS ARE VERY DIFFERENT, AND THEY OFFER DIFFERENT SERVICES. SO IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THEY LOOK AND ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS BEFORE THEY SELECT ONE FOR THEIR CHILD."
One of the referral center's most important jobs is to inform parents how to choose quality child care.
The center says when parents visit any potentital daycare, they should pay attention to important details.
"ARE THERE THINGS FOR THEM TO DO DURING THE DAY? WHAT'S THE ADULT INTERACTION LIKE WITH THE CHILDREN? IS THERE RESPECTFUL CONVERSATION OR IS THERE YELLING?"
