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Child Care Home Child Care Choices Checklist Facility Search Referral Agencies Contact Us
YOU MAY USE THIS CHECKLIST AS A GUIDE WHEN YOU VISIT PROSPECTIVE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
     
YES NO
FIRST THINGS FIRST!
The location is accessible to my home/job.
The hours fit my/our schedule -- even on rainy days when traffic is a nightmare.
I/we can afford the fees, including registration, tuition, insurance, co-payments, etc.
YES
NO
THINGS TO SEE
Is the provider's license posted and available?
Does the environment appear clean and safe for children?
Is the interaction between child and caregiver one of mutual respect and enjoyable for all?
Does the caregiver get down to the children's eye level when talking?
Does the caregiver sit with the children, rather than at a desk away from the children?
Is there sufficient equipment for all children to play with?
Is there sufficient staff based on the number of children being cared for?
Are children kept busy with fun and developmentally appropriate activities?
Are there smoke alarms and are there emergency disaster plans posted?
Do the children sound happy and involved?
Is the sound level appropriate? Is it either too quiet or too chaotic?
Does the caregiver listen closely to each child and use positive language when speaking with the children?
YES
NO
THINGS TO ASK
If you do not see a license posted, ask if they have a license.
What training and experience does the caregiver have? Are CPR and first aid included in the training?
What are their medical emergency procedures with the children? How are prescribed medicines handled for the children?
How does the caregiver deal with behavior?
Will they provide you with a list of parents that you can contact for references?
Are you welcome to drop in unannounced?
On what dates is the site closed, i.e., for holidays?
Does the caregiver offer alternative care times?
Do children go on field trips? If so, who drives and what vehicles are used?
Do they accept ill children?
Do they accept children with special needs?
YES
NO
THE PARENT'S ROLE
Parents are welcome to drop in whenever their children are in their care.
Parents are encouraged to participate in activities.
YES
NO
HOW IT FEELS
This appears to be a place my/our child would enjoy.
I/we would feel comfortable using this program.
I/we have contacted Child Care Licensing to learn if there are substantiated complaints.
YES
NO
APPROACH WITH CAUTION IF:
Parents are limited to visiting hours and are not encouraged to drop in unannounced.
Caregivers are unwilling or unable to tell you about your child's day.
The caregivers do not act as if they enjoy their work.
Health and safety concerns are not attended to; for example, hands are not washed after diapering and before meal times.
License is expired or no license is posted.
References from current parents are not available.
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
 
 
 
 
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