312
Waller Mill Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: (757) 229-7940
Fax: (757) 229-8081
email
us
QUALITY CHILD CARE CHECKLIST
Choosing the right type of care is a personal choice. When deciding, you will need to consider your hours, finances, values, need for flexibility versus routine, and most importantly, your child! In order to find care that fits your child,
What to ask the provider:
- Are the operating policies &information on the program available in writing?
- Is the center or home licensed? Ask to see the license. Is it current? Does it have any provisions?
- What are the fees? What is included in the fees. Are there any additional fees? Are fees continued during sick days, holidays snow days, etc…?
- Note: The presence of a license does not ensure quality care. Observation of the program is very important in your decision.
Caregivers Behaviors:
- Are the caregivers actively involved with the children? Are they down on the floor at the children's level?
- Do the caregivers comfort a child that is crying or upset?
- Is the caregiver warm, friendly patient and seem to enjoy being with the children?
- Does the staff have adequate education or training in early childhood education or child development?
- Do you agree with how caregiver’s discipline, praise, teach and handle conflict between children?
Programming:
- Ask about staff turnovers or how long the provider has been providing care? Children need consistent care with the ability to form healthy attachment and a sense of trust in their parent’s absence.
- Note: Too many changes in caregivers can slow a child’s development & leave children reluctant to your relationships. When children repeatedly switch caregivers, the time they spend grieving the loss & children the new caregiver’s way may slow down their overall development.
- Ask about group sizes and adult to child ratios– stop & count! Is the group size small enough so each child can get personal information?
Observation:
- Do the children voices sound happy? Is the caregivers voice calm and caring.
- Are the surroundings bright, cheerful, colorful, and pleasing to the child’s eye?
- Is there age appropriate toys and activities for all children?
- Are toys and equipment in good condition?
- Is there enough space, indoors and out? Is the enough toys and activities for the number of children?
- Have safety precautions been taken to prevent accidents? (Electrical outlets covered, gates at stairs, hazardous supplies locked away, working smoke detectors and fir extinguishers.
- Are all areas well maintained and clean, including play and nap areas, bathrooms, diaper changing area and kitchen.
- Is there a posted daily schedule that is flexible and provides a balance of activities: in/outdoor, group/individual, structured activities/free choice?
- Do you see: frequent hand washing, toys and equipment cleaned regularly, facility/home is child proof, staff trained in CPR and First Aid?
Parental involvement:
- Is there an “Open Door Policy”? Are you welcomed to visit your child at anytime, unannounced?
- Is parental involvement and participation encouraged?
- Will the caregivers answer your question about your child’s day?
For additional information contact: