LOOK
Visit several homes or centers. Look for a safe environment
with toys, books, and materials within a child’s reach.
Do the teachers enjoy talking and playing with the children?
Are infants able to crawl and explore safely? Do providers
devote time to one-on-one activities with infants and toddlers,
to reading to children and to frequent conversation?
LISTEN
Do the children sound happy and involved? Do they converse
easily with each other and with caregivers? Do caregivers
speak in cheerful and patient tones? Too much noise may
signal a lack of control; too much quiet may mean not enough
activity. Is TV used as a substitute for more stimulating
activities?
COUNT
Count the children in the group, and the number of staff
members caring for them. For each adult, there should be
no more than: 3-4 infants or toddlers; 4-6 two-year-olds;
7-8 three-year-olds; 8-9 four- year-olds; 8-10 five-year-olds.
ASK
What is the background and experience of all staff? Providers
trained in child development are more likely to be able
to meet your child’s individual needs. Ask about staff turnover.
Find out if family providers are licensed, and if the center
or home is accredited by a professional organization.
CHECK
Talk to other parents who have used the center
or home.
Call
Child Care Aware (800-424-2246) to find the child care
resource and referral agency nearest you. Even after you
start using child care, continue to drop in and check it
out for quality.
For other useful
information to help you in making child care arrangements:
Child Care Aware
Five Steps to Finding Care
National Network for Child Care
National Child Care Information Center
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Care About Quality Child Care Connection
