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The following is a consumer checklist of important things to consider when looking for child care services.
We recommend making several visits to each facility, at various times. As you compare child care facilities,
we hope this checklist will assure you that the facility you choose will be one of the highest quality and
meets your and your child's needs.
The Facility
- What's your first impression?
- Is it a bright, clean and pleasant place to be?
- Are there separate areas for play and rest?
- Is the space for activities sufficient?
- Is there an outdoor play area that is fenced and in full view of care givers at all times?
- Is there a variety of outdoor play equipment that is safe and in good repair?
- Are there a sufficient number of both toys and learning materials for the number of children?
- Are the toys and learning materials safe, clean and in good repair?
The Caregivers and Your Child
- Do the children look like they're enjoying themselves?
- How many children are being cared for and how many staff members are caring for them?
- Is there a good balance between play time and learning/story time, and between activities and rest?
- Are children participating in the right activities for their age?
- Does the overall program accommodate the natural changing of children's interests?
- Is there sufficient staff to attend the children and carry out the activities?
- Are children given the time to be comforted, when needed?
- Do the caregivers always respond quickly to the children's needs?
- Do the caregivers and children really like each other and enjoy being together?
The Caregivers and You
- Are the caregivers trained in CPR, first aid and child development, and is it on a continuing basis?
- What are the discipline policies and do you agree with them?
- Will you be told what your child did every day?
- Are unscheduled visits from parents encouraged?
- Can parents get involved and are their ideas welcomed?
In addition, don't for a moment hesitate to ask about staff backgrounds, knowledge, special training and
experience. Quality care providers will be glad to discuss these with you.
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