Any individual moving to Newfoundland has a number of options when it comes to childcare to those parents who are working and/or studying. Somebody looking for childcare can choose one of the following options:

• Find a babysitter privately and pay them
• Place your child(ren) in a Licensed Child Care Provider Home
• Place your child(ren) in a Licensed Childcare Facility
• Use the childcare centers offered at the place of study or workplace
• There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing any of the above for your children; however, there are many issues to consider when making your final childcare decision. 

Private Babysitter

When hiring a private babysitter that is a teenager, you will want to gather some basic information from them including their full name, age, address, phone number and at least two references with whom you are able to speak. This information would be readily available if an individual goes through a Babysitting Agency. You may want to interview the potential babysitter with questions like:

• Do you have any younger brothers or sisters that you have babysat for? What are their ages?
• Have you had experience taking care of other children?
• How are your grades in school? And are you involved in any activities?
• Do you know what to do if there is ever an emergency?
• What do you like about babysitting and spending time with children?
• When are you available for work?
• How much do you expect to be paid per hour?
• Do you have any questions about the position?
• When hiring a private babysitter that is an Adult Caregiver, the interview would perhaps be more detailed, as these individuals would have more information to share as to their education and experience. It is important to obtain a list of references from the potential babysitter and other basic information before the interview. You should request information that would allow a background check including their full name, address, previous names and addresses, date of birth, driver’s license, social insurance number and any additional information you would think is relevant. Some interview questions that may be relevant include:
• What is your babysitting childcare experience? What are some of the ages of the children you have cared for?
• Do you have any other individuals that you care for now?
• Do you have your own children? How old are they?
• Do you have any special training or certificates relevant to this position?
• What do you like the most about caring for children?
• How would you handle an emergency situation should it arise?
• What is your approach to discipline?
• (BabySitter.com)

Where to Find a Private Babysitter

There are several methods to finding or advertising for a qualified babysitter in the community of St. Anthony, Newfoundland:

• Advertise on the HRDC Service Canada Job Bank www.jobbank.gc.ca
• Place Advertisements around the Community
• Contact the Cable Station and have an advertisement placed on television
• Place an ad on the Northern Pen newspaper

Licensed Child Care Home Provider

A Licensed Child Care Provider is an individual who has received a license to operate a child care program from their home. There are advantages and disadvantages to placing your children under the care of a Licensed Child Care Home Provider:

• Advantages
• Family Atmosphere
• Flexible Hours with Part-Time Possibilities
• Consistency and Individual Attention due to smaller groups
• Approved homes can be available in various areas
• Licensed to meet and maintain minimum standards of care
• Possibility of inclusion for children that have special needs
• Reduced risk of being exposed to infection
• Receipts provided
• Disadvantages
• May have limited choice in provider selection based on location
• Other children not necessarily the same age
• Possible long wait list
• “Sick child” Policies
• Possible isolation of care givers
• (Andrew Fleck Child Care Services)

Licensed Child Care Facility

A Licensed Child Care Facility is a center that has been approved to operate a child care program. There are advantages and disadvantages to place your children in a Licensed Child Care Facility:

• Advantages
• Professional, Qualified Staff
• Other teachers available to offer support
• Child of the similar age are grouped together
• Child focused program and environment
• Licensed to meet and maintain minimum standards of care
• Possibility of inclusion of children with special needs
• Reliability
• Access to subsidy system in the area
• Receipts Provided
• Disadvantages
• Higher child-teacher ratio
• Higher incidence of infectious disease
• May be more expensive than other means of child care
• Fixed operating hours
• Possible long waiting lists
• “Sick Child” Policies
•  (Andrew Fleck Child Care Services)

Childcare Facilities in St. Anthony

Riddles and Rhymes Daycare
P.O. Box 121
College of the North Atlantic
Phone: 454-2233
Email: riddlesandrhyme@hotmail.com
Contact: Gina Heath
Riddles and Rhymes Daycare is located at the College of the North Atlantic on East Street. The Daycare has 29 spaces and offers programs to children aged 24 months to 72 months.

Northern Peninsula Family Resource Center

The Northern Peninsula Family Resource Centre Inc. is an organization that was formed in May of 1999 as a result of the announcement of the National Child Benefit Provincial Reinvestment Plan. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors that is made up of representatives from Health, Education, Municipalities, Justice, Community Groups and 50% consumers. The goals of the organization include: To increase community/agency commitment..

Main Office
St. Anthony Family Resource Centre
P.O. 774
St Anthony, NL
A0K 4S0

Tel: 709-454-3122
Fax: 709-454-3310
Email: jamiewarren@nf.aibn.com
Website: http://www.norpenfrc.ca

Helpful Links

Department of Health & Community Services
Improving Child Care Services for Canadian Families
Godaycare
Childcare Resource and Research Unit

Child Care Benefits and Deduction Links

Canada Child Care Tax Benefit (CCTB)
Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB)
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

Meeting People

Meeting people in a new community is important and can be achieved by getting involved in activities that are happening.  The following section will provide numerous ways in which an individual can participate in the community life of St. Anthony.

Community Centers and Programs

There are many community and neighborhood centers in St. Anthony that offer programs and activities for residents to join and interact with other individuals.  Visit one of these organizations and ask wheat programs they offer and you will find many opportunities to be involved with your family.

Fitness Centers

St. Anthony Health Club

Volunteering

Volunteers are individuals who donate their personal time and service of their own free will. Volunteering with organizations in St. Anthony will enable you with the opportunity to integrate into the community and gain valuable experience. There are many reasons to become a volunteer:

• Meet other individuals
• There are a variety of positions available
• It’s personally rewarding, satisfying and FUN!
• Opportunity to share your skills and talents with others
• Gain work-related skills and experience
• Organizations will recognize your efforts
• (Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists)

Additional Helpful Links

National Survey For Giving, Volunteering & Participating
Community Services Council-Newfoundland & Labrador