Knowing what to ask when you call or visit a prospective child care program helps you make a wise choice.
The following list of questions may serve as a guide when you call or visit a child care program to see if it is the right place for your child. (Download a printable copy of these questions and a program checklist.)
- Consider your child's point of view. What kinds of people and activities make your child comfortable and happy? What questions might your child ask?
- Who's going to care for me?
- Are there plenty of toys I can reach and enjoy?
- Where will I keep my "stuff"?
- Is everyone having fun?
- What will I do all day?
- Look at the program’s policies and expectations.
- What are their hours?
- What are the costs? Are there extra charges for certain services?
- What is the policy about early drop-offs or late pick-ups?
- Does the program have written policies, such as policies for payment, discipline, and attendance?
- Are they open 52 weeks per year?
- Are they open on holidays?
- In a family child care home, does the owner close down for her/his personal vacation?
- What do you observe when you visit the program?
- Are the children happy and involved?
- Is there a wide choice of toys and materials for the age of your child?
- Do the activities allow children to think and play creatively?
- Can children play alone and in groups?
- Is a schedule posted? Does it include a mix of times for play, activities, stories, and rest?
- Can parents visit at any time of the day?
- If a family child care home is being considered, does the owner have a back-up plan in case of her/his personal or family emergency?
- Are the group sizes small?
- Does the program practice proper cleaning of toys and materials?
- Are there healthy meals and snacks served?
- Do caregivers and children wash and dry their hands before meals and after toileting?
- What is the program’s policy on care for ill children?
- What are your impressions of the person(s) who will be caring for your child?
- Does the teacher or family child care operator seem warm and friendly?
- Is she or he calm and patient with the children?
- Does she or he listen to the children?
- Does she or he talk to the children and encourage them to express themselves?
- Does the teacher or family child care operator have special training or credentials?
- Does she or he have experience and references?
- Is she or he trained in child development and health and safety?
- In a child care center, is the Center Director/Owner trained in management?
- Does the teacher or family child care operator have CPR/First Aid certifications?
- Has she or he been screened for child abuse/neglect?
- Consider the physical setting or environment. Is it the type of place where your child will be healthy, safe, and comfortable while you're away?
- Is a current license displayed? If Accredited, is the Accreditation certificate displayed?
- Are there enough adults for the number and ages of children?
- Are the exits unblocked and are there working fire extinguishers and smoke detectors?
- Are the rooms clean, well-lit, and cheerful?
- Are there enough materials and equipment for play? Are they clean, in good repair, and age-appropriate?
- Is there a first aid kit close by?
- Is an emergency evacuation plan posted and practiced?
- Is there an emergency plan for each child in case of accident or illness?
- Are there appropriate car seats or safety belts for each child if children are being transported?
- Finally, ask yourself, is this the type of place I would be comfortable leaving my child?