Looking for Childcare

We recommend making several visits to each facility at various times. As you compare childcares, 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 caregiver 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?

• Do the children look like they're enjoying themselves?
• How many children are being cared for?
• 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?
• Are children given the time to be comforted, when needed?
• Does the caregiver always respond quickly to the children's needs?
• Does the caregiver and children really like each other and enjoy being together?

• Is the caregiver 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?