Choosing Child Care
More and more, research tells us that our children’s healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during the first few years of life. If you are a parent who works during these early years, choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for your child.
You might want to visit several different child care programs, either centers or family child care homes, before you decide which one is best for your family. Call each child care program and schedule an appointment for your visit. Once you are there, stay for at least an hour to watch activities, check the surroundings, and ask questions.
Good child care requires three important things:
- A well-trained consistent caregiver
- A setting that keeps your child safe and healthy
- An environment that enhances your child’s physical, mental, emotional and social growth
Observational Checklist
☐Regularly scheduled nutritious meals and snacks are provided and menus are posted.
☐ Indoor and outdoor spaces are clean and safe.
☐ Children and adults wash hands after diapering/toileting and before meals.
☐ Furniture and equipment are child-sized.
☐ Medicine and cleaning products are out of the reach of children.
☐ Discipline is handled in a gently, but firm manner.
☐ Rules are clear, simple and consistent.
☐ Children are not expected to sit quietly or wait for long periods of time.
☐ Books, blocks, puzzles and other learning materials are available and within easy reach of the children.
☐ Outdoor play occurs daily; weather permitting.
☐ Each child has their own crib or cot.
☐ Parents are welcome at any time, without prior notice.
☐ Caregivers respond quickly in a loving, gentle way.
☐ There is a daily schedule that makes children feel comfortable and secure.
☐ Parents and children are greeted upon arrival.
☐ Caregivers have training specific to the ages of children they care for.
