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Questions To Ask and Things To Observe

Education

  • What is the provider’s philosophy of care?

  • Does the center follow a specified curriculum?

  • Who develops lesson plans and what is that person’s training?

  • Is there a wide variety of materials available and within easy reach of the children?

  • Is hands-on activity encouraged?

  • Is there a daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, quiet time and active time?

  • Are the adults asking questions of the children and reading to them?

  • Are the children taught the value of diversity through multi-racial, multi-cultural, nonsexist, non-stereotyping pictures, dolls, books and materials?

  • Can the program meet any special needs your child may have?

Physical space and equipment

  • Is the environment bright and cheerful?

  • Is there adequate space for indoor and outdoor play?

  • Is there space for active and quiet activities?

  • Are bathrooms clean, well-stocked, child-sized, and free of harmful substances, such as cleaning products?

  • Are there a variety of age-appropriate toys?

  • Are there cribs for infants and cots or other rest spaces for pre-schoolers?

  • Do the outdoor space and equipment allow for a variety of activities, such as riding, climbing, balancing, sand play and digging, and individual play?

  • Is the outdoor play area fenced and secure from outsiders?

Health and safety

  • Is it a non-smoking environment?

  • Are smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and escape plans visible in each room or area of the facility?

  • Are there regularly scheduled fire drills?

  • Are there child-proof latches for doors and cabinets?

  • Are all hazardous items, such as poisonous substances, medications, and handguns locked securely and stored away from areas where there are children?

  • Is the equipment safe?

  • Are health records, including immunization records and emergency contact information, on file for every child?

  • Are there written policies and procedures for reporting accidents and other medical problems?

  • Are there procedures for administering medication and treating illnesses and injuries?

  • Are there handwashing procedures for staff and children?

  • Are diapers changed only in designated areas and is handwashing required both before and after each diaper change?

  • How would the center handle suspected incidents of child abuse by parents, staff or others?

Supervision

  • Are children supervised by adults at all times, specifically to and from bathrooms, the water fountain, and other classrooms? Are children granted privacy when using the bathroom?

  • Do children leave the center for field trips or walks? How often? How are they transported and supervised on these outings?

  • Are children released only to authorized persons?

Administration

  • Is the center for-profit or not-for-profit?

  • May parents enter the facility at any time?

  • Are teachers and the director regularly available for consultation?

  • How are problems and concerns with a child handled?

  • Is there a parent board or advisory committee?
    If yes, what is their role?

  • Do parents assist in classrooms or participate in center activities such as fundraising? Is this required or voluntary?

Staff

  • Are staff state certified or registered?

  • What is the educational level and training of caregivers? Of the director?

  • Are staff required to have physical examinations before they are hired?

  • Are background checks made on all staff before hiring, including any history of physical and sexual abuse?

  • Do the caregivers share your views on discipline and praise?

  • What is the annual turnover rate for caregivers? Why do caregivers leave?

  • How does pay compare to that at other area centers? Are health benefits provided to staff?

  • Does staff receive ongoing training?

  • Does Staff Display the Following Characteristics?

  • Warm and loving?

  • Responsive to your child and other children?

  • Calm and patient?

  • Communicative with children?

  • Listens to what children have to say?

  • Plays with children in an age-appropriate way?

  • Creates age-appropriate learning activities?

  • Fosters a sense of self-esteem in children?

  • Has a sense of professionalism about their job?

  • Seems to enjoy their job?

Staff/child ratio

  • What is the child/staff ratio for your child’s age and for age groups which your child may move to?

  • Are the stated number of staff in the classroom at all times or do they have non-classroom duties or work shifts?

  • Are substitutes hired when staff are sick or on vacation?

Meals and snacks

  • Are meals and snacks provided to the children as part of the fee or are they extra?

  • What are the menus like? Are the meals and snacks nutritious?

  • Are special provisions made for or allowed for children with dietary restrictions?

  • Are children occasionally allowed or encouraged to participate in food preparation?

  • Are children required to eat all meals and snacks or to eat only when they’re hungry?

Things to ask for

The following items are important to ask for. If available, review them at home before deciding on a child care provider:

  • parent handbook

  • daily schedule

  • food menus

  • newsletter

  • rules and regulations

  • contract with parents

  • fees and payment policies

  • disciplinary policy

  • references of past and current parents


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