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Essential Child-Care Questions
What to ask when choosing a child-care facility.

Choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Use this checklist to be sure you've picked a provider that offers quality care.
Questions for the Facility Representative

When visiting a child-care facility, ask your host the following questions:

___ Is the center licensed or registered with the local government? If so, may I please see a copy of the latest inspection report?

___ Can I visit the center during operating hours before registering my child in the program?

___ Can I examine all the areas my child will use?

___ Once my child is registered, will I be able to visit at any time?

___ Is there a written daily schedule that includes active play, quiet play, rest time, and snacks and meals?

___ Are there regular opportunities for indoor and outdoor play, and are children supervised at all times?

___ Is TV viewing limited to short times and appropriate programming?

___ Does the center offer parenting classes or other family support?

___ Is each child assigned to one caregiver who is primarily responsible for her care?

___ Does the caregiver meet with parents regularly?

___ Is there a written policy about discipline? If so, may I please read it?

___ Is smoking banned from the facility?

___ Are there written policies for the care of ill children that include the responsibilities of the parents?

___ Will the caregivers give prescribed medication to my child?

___ Is there a pediatrician or a nurse who serves as a consultant for the program?

___ Do staff members have training in child development and in providing a learning environment for children?

___ Have staff members received up-to-date first-aid training and CPR training?

___ How long have the caregivers been working there?

___ Are there arrangements if a caregiver gets sick or has to be away?

___ May I get recommendations from parents whose children are currently in the program?

Questions to Ask Yourself
Consider the following questions when you visit the facility:

___ Are there enough adult caregivers present at all times? Do these caregivers have a warm, responsive relationship with the children?

___ Does the staff appear to enjoy caring for the children, and do the children appear to be happy?

___ Is the facility bright, cheerful, and well ventilated? Is all equipment clean, safe, and well maintained?

___ Is the noise level comfortable?

___ Does there appear to be enough indoor space for the number of children present? (A clear area measuring 35 square feet per child is ideal.)

___ Is there a quiet area large enough for all children during nap time?

___ Does each child have his own cot, crib, or mat to sleep on, and is there three feet of space between each of these?

___ Are the toilets and sinks clean and easy for children to reach? Can children also reach clean towels, liquid soap, and toilet paper?

___ Is there a clean diaper-changing area? Is a sink well within the caregiver's reach?

___ Does each child have a cubby, locker, or other place for her own belongings?

___ Are infants always fed sitting up, with an adult present during meals and snacks?

___ Is all the food nutritious, well prepared, and well served? Can you preview the menus?

___ Are there enough age-appropriate toys available?

___ Is there an outdoor play area that's free of sharp edges, pinch points, sharp rocks, and ditches?

___ Is the playground equipment age appropriate, properly installed, and well maintained?

___ Is there impact-absorbing material such as wood chips, rubber mats, or loosely packed sand in areas where children might fall?

___ Do adults always supervise outdoor play?

___ Is your first reaction to the program that it would be a good, loving, and safe haven for your child?

Your should know:

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.