Questions to Ask
When visiting a site or interviewing a provider, here are the three key areas to assess and some questions to consider:
Provider
This person (or group of people) provides your child with care and guidance and works with you and your family to make sure your child grows and learns in the best possible way.
- Does the provider have references?
- Are the child care fees within your budget?
- Does the provider charge on days when your child isn't there?
- Is there a written agreement or contract?
- Is there a policy for medical situations and emergencies?
- Will your child travel away from the center or provider's home without your consent?
- Are parents welcome to visit at any time?
- Is there regular communication between parents and providers?
- What discipline methods are used?
- Are the attitudes toward child rearing similar to yours?
- Are the values that are taught similar to yours?
- Are the providers warm and caring?
- What are the provisions for mildly ill children?
Setting
Your child's environment must be safe and healthy.
- Is the facility safe? Clean? Reasonably orderly?
- Free of health hazards?
- Is there adequate space/equipment for children to rest, eat and play?
- Are first-aid supplies close at hand?
- What are the check-in/check-out procedures?
- Is the outdoor play area/equipment clean and in good repair?
Program
The activities should be geared to your child's age while providing stimulation. Age-appropriate activities will help your child develop educationally, physically, socially and emotionally.
- How many children will be in your child's group?
- What is the age range of the group?
- Is there a daily schedule?
- Is television used? Why? How much?
- Are there activities that encourage children to learn new things?
- Are good health habits and personal cleanliness encouraged?
- Are positive social skills encouraged and modeled?
Also, think about your child's personality and needs.
- Does your child need a predictable schedule?
- Does your child like to have an adult close by for naps?
- Is consideration given for individual needs of children?
- Does your child have any special needs that may make one type of child care preferable to another?