How to find an agency, what to look for and what questions to ask.

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Steps to find the best Agency for your identified needs.

Once you have decided that your family wishes to use an agency to support your CARE needs. Start your search early and be prepared for it to take some time. Have a list of questions ready to interview the agency and get a clear understanding of what they will offer you and how they support their affiliated businesses and service providers.

1. Identify your priorities:

First decide what you want and what your family needs and write it down and prioritize what is important. Formulate your questions from your priorities. Then start your search for an agency that will support your family.

2. Do your research:

To find an Agency that has a proven track record for effectiveness in meeting client needs:

Ask others at work, in your community, groups or clubs.

A good agency is readily accessible, welcoming and friendly. It will be well known for its quality of service and capabilities.

Phone or visit the agency at a variety of hours to determine accessibility.
Ask for names of parents in your community so you may check references!
Use your ‘gut’ reaction. Use your first reaction to the Agency as your measure.

Ask experts.

There are child care consultants that can assist you with doing the leg work and then give you recommendations regarding the best program for your family to meet the specific learning styles of your child.

Check the credentials of the Agency. Contact your local government authorities for information regarding the Agency in your community.

Go online

See our searchable database for an Agency in your community. Care Finder

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Go to the Yellow Pages

This is a limited resource, but it is a starting point to start your search.

Visit and Interview:

Interviewing the Agency is critical to gain insight into its focus and direction.

Check Policies:

It is important for Agencies to support the businesses or service providers they are affiliated with, as well as the families they serve. There must be well defined policies and procedures regarding the agency’s use and effectiveness to clients. Ensure they are practiced consistently.

If there are no ground rules and no established guidelines for operations, keep looking there is an Agency out there for you.

Look for an Agency with a defined organizational structure for staff members and affiliates.

Are all members of the organization knowledgeable about the services offered by the agency? Are they able to speak knowledgeably regarding others within the organization and define their roles?

Look for an Agency with an integrated system in place to support client needs with effective results.

Are systems updated? How often?

Staff Members: Has the agency got a clear record of attracting, selecting and maintaining ‘good’ people?

Trained staff members are a sign of quality programs. Staff members should have training in their area of expertise. There must be an emphasis on ongoing education with an opportunity for staff members to upgrade their skills and abilities.

How staff interact with clients and service providers is important to note. Staff should be interacting with families and involving them in any discussions pertaining to their service.
What is the experience of the Agency’s director, and how long have they been with the Agency? The education and values of the director are often reflective in staff.
What is the rate of staff turn over? Are members of the staff paid appropriately? Do they receive health benefits and education allowances? Better paid staff feel valued and tend to stay longer, having a direct impact on the Agency.
If the program has some specific philosophy what is it? What are the Agency’s values and guiding principles? Does everyone in the organization understand and internalize them?

Check References

Once you have interviewed and visited an Agency and you feel comfortable that it meets your family’s criterions and supports your needs, check references.

Word of mouth is an important part of the checklist. Ask other parents using the Agency about their opinion. People will tell you if they think an Agency is good or bad. Find out why?

Check with local authorities regarding their last report card, if applicable.

Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if there are any complaints.

Try it Out

The best test in town is to try it out and see if the Agency works for you. If it does and there is clear ongoing communication…you may have a winner.

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