Child Care: Questions to Ask About Infant/Toddler Center-Based Care

Ask the Child Care Provider:

• Is the child care center licensed? Is the licensing permit current?
• What are the tuition payments? When are they due?
• What are the hours? Holiday and vacation schedule?
• Is an initial registration fee required? What are admission requirements?
• Are there extra charges for such things as meals, transportation, or late pick-up?
• Are fees reduced if more than one child enrolls?
• Are deductions offered for periods of absence?
• Is financial assistance available?
• Is safe transportation provided?
• What is the caregiver-to-child ratio? Federal guidelines for centers suggest no more than 1:3 for infants; 1:4 for toddlers; 1:8 for children aged 3 to 6.

Observe or Ask About:

Facility

Does the center have:

• carpeting, pads, and drapery to absorb extraneous noise?
• child-sized furniture?
• a cheerful, colorful atmosphere?
• ample developmental and age appropriate toys and art materials?
• plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
• special areas for quiet and active play?
• smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?

Staff

Does the staff:

• genuinely seem to enjoy cuddling, holding, and talking to my baby?
• seem cheerful, warm, and affectionate?
• welcome my questions and suggestions?
• share my childrearing philosophy?
• take time to share my child's experiences with me?
• really listen and talk to the children?
• have low turnover?
• sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
• respect each child's unique background and interests?
• guide rather than direct behavior?
• kneel or sit at child's eye level?
• spend individual time with each child?
• actively play with children, indoors and out?
• emphasize children's strengths and accomplishments?
• handle discipline positively?
• establish and consistently maintain limits?

Program

Does the program:

• balance active, physical activities with quiet, restful ones?
• provide ample rest and nap times?
• prohibit play that could quickly get out of hand?
• encourage children to express themselves?
• patiently encourage toddlers to solve some problems on their own?
• provide ample opportunities for children to feel good about themselves?
• help children deal with feelings constructively?
• provide security through a well-defined, predictable schedule of daily activities?
• balance structured and unstructured activities?
• design graduated goals for each child?
• encourage language development?

Health and Safety

• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does the staff always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Does my child receive constant supervision, indoors and out?
• Is my baby checked often when in a crib or playpen?
• Is all baby equipment strong, stable, and in good repair?
• Are the crib slats no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart? Does the crib have protective bumper pads? Does the mattress firmly abut the side of the crib?
• Does the center have separate cribs and crib sheets for each infant?
• Do strollers or infant seats have safety harnesses?
• Are the crib and playpen free of toys that could be used to climb out?
• Can all doors inside the center be opened from the outside at all times?
• Are the outside doors and windows locked?
• Do strong screens or metal bars cover the windows? (especially important above ground level)
• Do all glass doors have decals?
• Are the rooms well ventilated and comfortable year-round?
• Are the bathroom facilities clean and easily accessible to children?
• Are latched safety gates placed at the top and/or bottom of stairways?
• Are stairways and walkways free from clutter? Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
• Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, and working appliances.)
• Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, and first aid supplies.)
• Are the center and yard free from poisonous plants?
• Is my child kept away from dangerous places like the stove or hot water faucets?
• Do all electrical sockets have protective covers?
• Has attention been paid to objects that could be pulled or knocked over? (Examples include tablecloths, electrical cords, lamps, furniture.)
• Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
• Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
• Do children get a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting?
• Do children seem safe with one another?
• Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
• Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for my child's level of development?
• What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
• What are the policies regarding illness? (for example, are parents contacted if another child has a contagious disease? Does the caregiver have a substitute in case she gets sick?)
• Is a physician on-call? Are medical records maintained?
• Is the staff trained in early childhood education, CPR and first aid?

Meals

• Are the meals nutritious and healthy?
• Are healthy snacks served mid-morning and mid-afternoon?
• Are menus varied and posted for my review?
• Is the staff knowledgeable about my baby's food requirements and feeding schedule?
• Are children allowed to leave food on their plates? (They should never be forced to eat.)
• Are portions small and second helpings available?
• Who plans the menus (dietitian or other staff)?
• Is the kitchen clean?