When choosing child care, consider the following factors:

Licensing

• Is the facility licensed and is the license displayed?
• Is the licensed capacity adhered to?
• Does the provider carry sufficient liability insurance?
• Policies and Procedures: Are written policies on fees, holidays, parent responsibilities, etc. available?
• Are there specific, appropriate written goals, objectives and curricula?
• Do the program philosophy, values and disciplinary methods coincide with your own?
• Corporal punishment in home-based and center-based child care centers is illegal.
• Are parents encouraged to visit the center or home at any time?

Caregivers

• Are the providers appropriately trained and working at increasing their skills?
• Have all caregivers been fingerprinted and is there a criminal record clearance on file?
• Are there enough staff to supervise the children at all times and give them individual attention?
• Do the caregivers respond and talk to all children in a positive, warm, understanding way?
• Are the expectations of the provider appropriate for the ages of the children being served?

Programs and Activities

• Does a regular schedule allow for indoor and outdoor play, small and large group play, "alone time," and some flexibility in routine?
• Are the activities and materials provided varied, appropriate for the children's abilities, and focused on the areas of social, emotional, physical and intellectual development?
• Are materials and activities related to art, music, role-playing and other creative experiences available?
• Is television watching limited and closely monitored?
• Are walks to the park or library (for example) part of the program?
• Are snacks and/or meals, toileting and napping routines appropriate and consistent with your own?

Environment

Is the facility or home safe, clean and free of health hazards? Look for the following...

• Unblocked exits
• Toys and furnishings in good repair and free of sharp edges
• Posted emergency phone numbers and evacuation plan
• Covered wall sockets; fire extinguishers
• Out-of-reach cabinets for poisons and medications
• Sufficient heat, light and ventilation
• First aid supplies to be utilized by trained staff
• Climbing equipment has safe, shock-absorbing material underneath
• Is there adequate space for indoor play, outdoor play, napping ,eating, isolating a sick child, and storage of equipment and children's belongings in individual containers?
• Are the equipment and play materials provided interesting to children and appropriate for their age levels?
• Is the atmosphere colorful and inviting to your child?