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Quality
Indicator Checklist
This checklist will assist you in selecting the child care center that best suits your needs. We encourage a minimum of two visits to individual child care programs/provider in your selection process.
| Site # 1 | Site # 2 | |
| Name | Name | |
| Location | Location | |
| Director | Director | |
| Phone | Phone | |
| Hours/days of program | Hours/days of program | |
| Cost of program | Cost of program | |
Parent's Role
Choosing an early childhood center is one of many important decisions you will make for your child. Choose carefully, keeping in mind what is best for your family.
Visit at least two programs before you decide.
Call several centers to find out hours and days of operations, ages of children served and cost of each program. Consider location and transportation needs and then make appointments with those that seem most promising.
The Quality Indicator Checklist will help you understand how to choose a quality Child Care Program or Family Child Care Provider. Indicators should be answered with "YES."
Look & Listen
| Site 1 |
Site 2 |
|
| Are children greeted by name? | ||
| Is it bright and cheerful? | ||
| Are adults caring and nurturing? | ||
| Is children's artwork displayed? | ||
| Are adult/child ratios followed? |
Are safety precautions taken?
| Site 1 |
Site 2 |
|
| Are outlets capped? | ||
| Are chemicals/medications stored securely? | ||
| Is a first aid kit available? | ||
| Are there smoke detectors & fire extinguishers? | ||
| Are emergency evacuation plans posted? | ||
Are there toys and materials for play? |
||
| Site 1 | Site 2 | |
| Are there enough? | ||
| Are they age appropriate? | ||
| Is the equipment child sized? | ||
| Are there areas for quiet and active play? | ||
| Are children happy and engaged in play? | ||
| Is there a variety available to the children? (books, art supplies, pretend play, sand/water play) | ||
Ask
| Site 1 |
Site 2 |
|
| Is program licensed and/or accredited, star rated? | ||
| Does caregiver have experience working with young children? | ||
| Does hand washing occur often? | ||
| Are toys cleaned often? | ||
| Is menu posted? | ||
| Is a daily schedule of activities posted? | ||
| Does the menu include all food groups? | ||
| Are ill children isolated? | ||
| Can parents volunteer? | ||
| Does the caregiver have current training in first aid, CPR, Child Development? | ||
|
Policies to ask about |
||
| Site 1 |
Site 2 |
|
| Are there opportunities to discuss children's progress? | ||
| Are there written policies about giving medication? | ||
| Are parents welcome to visit at any time? | ||
| What is the policy on unfamiliar people picking up a child? | ||
| What are the vacation/holiday policies? | ||
| What days will the program/provider be closed? | ||
Disclaimer
Child Care Connection does not endorse, rate, recommend, or evaluate child care resources, programs, or providers and therefore, Child Care Connection does not assume, warrant, or guarantee quality care. Any information about a caregiver/provider has been provided solely by that caregiver/provider. Child Care Connection believes that consumers are in the best position to evaluate and choose resources evaluate and choose resources appropriate to their child's needs.
