By:ZerotoThree
What to Look for in a Child Care Program?
If at all possible, before making your program choice, observe caregivers interacting with children during the day. Parents can learn a lot about a program simply by watching. Here are some specific criteria to look for and ask about when visiting a child care program:
- What training do staff members have in infant-toddler development?
- Do caregivers speak to the children, even babies? Do they sing and read to the children?
- Do they answer children’s questions patiently? Do they ask children questions?
- Is each baby allowed to eat and sleep according to their own rhythms, and not based on a schedule imposed by the caregiver?
- For toddlers, is a daily schedule posted, using pictures and visuals, so that children can anticipate what will happen next?
- Are toys and materials well organized so that children can choose what interests them?
- Are caregivers able to accommodate the special needs of children?
- Does the environment accommodate the special needs of children?
- Do caregivers respect the language, culture, and values of families in the program?
- How does the caregiver feel about discipline? Weaning? Toilet training? Feeding? Do the caregiver’s beliefs match your own?
- Does the caregiver handle conflicts without losing patience, shaming a child, or frequently displaying anger?
- Does the caregiver seem to enjoy children?
- Are you welcome to drop in at any time?
- Would your child feel good about coming here? Would you feel good about leaving your child here?
- Is the environment sanitary and safe?
- Is the setting appealing with comfortable lighting and an acceptable noise level?
