When parents call Child Care Council for a referral, they often ask the referral specialists if they would recommend a certain child care program. Only you, the parent or caregiver, can determine if a certain program is the "right fit" for your child and you. Below are items to consider and specifics to look for at a child care program to help you make this decision.
Indicators that Quality Child Care is Provided
Experience/References:
- Experienced child care provide and center staff
- Low staff turn over in the Child Care Center
- Caregiver should provide references
- Program staff have a Child Development Associate (CDA)
- Child care program accreditation
- Children in the program should look happy
- Care provider should competently meet the needs of an upset child when the program is busy
- Provider should "correct" a child's behavior in a manner you agree with
- Discipline policy should be fair, effective and consistent with your own
- There should be agreement on how the children are disciplined
- Parents should be provided with a schedule of activities
- A menu should be provided by the program if food is served
- Is the program authorized to administer medication other than over-the-counter topical preparations?
- Caregiver should greet each child and family at the beginning and end of each day
- Program should have a variety of activities for the children
- There should be a variety of toys for children of all ages
- There should be a napping policy with sufficient space for each child
- The program should be childproofed
- Dangerous materials must be stored out of reach of the children
- There should be outlet covers in the electrical outlets
- Children and caregivers should wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after toileting
- Diapers should be changed at appropriate intervals
- There should be a working phone
- Emergencies like fire and injuries must be is the planned for
- Program should be clean
- Ask how often are the toys cleaned
- Ask what are the fees for the program
- Find out if there is there are fee when the child is not present or when the program is closed
- If needed, ask if subsidy payments accepted
- Low turn over in center staff
- Educational background and experience of caregivers
- Continuity of care – maintaining the relationships that children form with caregivers by allowing children to stay with caregivers who know them well and know how to meet their needs while providing new challenges
- Good relationships between children, families, and caregivers
- Family involvement in the program: for example daily communications, parental open door policy, and opportunities to participate in field trips
- Developmentally appropriate program
- Balance of active, quiet, indoor, and outdoor play based on the abilities and interests of the children