An informational brochure and web page launched by the Health Ministry are offering parents and guardians guidance in child care choices.

According to Health Minister Nelson Bascome, overwhelming public interest in the three-child-per-caregiver limit led to Government's decision to publish the information.

The launch follows July's Parliamentary approval of a child care allowance for families earning less than $70,000.

One of the requirements for the allowance, however, is that the child must be watched by a registered child caregiver or a licensed daycare centre.

Mr. Bascome said the infromation gives parents help in choosing which caregiver to place their child with and an explanation for why the policies are in place.

"We at the Ministry of Health know how important the first years of a child's life are. Children need a tremendous amount of nurturing and attention in order to grow up healthy, secure and able to achieve their potential," he said.

"It is essential that children receive the best care possible and this is vital for families and for our whole community to thrive. We are committed to helping parents find the right daycare setting for their children.

"This brochure and website are excellent tools that parents and guardians can use to ensure that their child is receiving quality child care by a registered child care provider or at a licensed daycare centre."

The brochure will be available in various locations including pediatricians', obstetricians', and general practitioners' offices, pharmacies, the Department of Financial Assistance, post offices and selected children's retail outlets.

Parents can visit www.health.gov.bm to search the Department of Health's list of registered child care providers and licensed daycare centres. The website enables people to enter a child's age and preferred parish for daycare attendance, and a list of all registered and licensed providers with their contact details and the adult-child ratios approved for the establishment will be displayed.

Chief Environment Officer David Kendell encouraged parents to carry out the search as soon as they know they are pregnant for assurance they will find a place with a registered care giver. Caregivers not on the list will not qualify for the allowance, which is offered through the Department of Financial Assistance.

He added that the brochure and the website were a step in the right direction to inform the public of requirements that have been in place since the Children's Act 1998.

"What we are trying to do is make it as easy as possible for people. It's a great way for people to see if their provider is registered," he added.

"Everyone wants the best for their child; we really want people to be able to make an informed choice. This is just the first step in improving the system.

"This is another step in the right direction. One of the challenges is to get people in this as a career (child care) and that's the next step."