Child Care: Questions to Ask About Before and After School
Family Care (6 - 12 yr)
Ask the Child Care Provider:
- Can you tell me more about your background and
experience?
- What are some reasons you enjoy taking care of children?
Do you have children of your own?
- How will my child be transported to and from school or
when you leave the house?
- What are your expectations regarding length of
commitment?
- Do you smoke? Do you have any health problems?
- Have you had training in first aid?
- What are your views on discipline? Meals? Television?
Playmates?
- What would you do if . . . ? (Give examples relevant to
your situation: medical and personal emergencies, common
problems with child.)
- Can you give me several references, preferably from
former employers?
- May I have a tour of your home?
- Do you have a current licensing permit?
- How much does it cost? When are the payments due?
- What are the hours? Holiday and vacation schedule?
- Are there extra charges for such things as meals or
transportation?
- Are fees reduced if more than one child enrolls?
- Are deductions offered for periods of absence?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Is safe transportation provided to and from school?
- 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 caregiver have someone to substitute in
case she gets sick?)
- What questions do you have for me?
Observe or Ask About:
Home
Does the home have:
- ample toys and art materials?
- plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
- special areas for quiet and active play?
- safe, creative outdoor play equipment?
- a quiet place for homework?
- places to practice extracurricular skills (sports, music,
dance)?
- smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire
drills? Alternate exits?
Caregiver
Does the caregiver:
- welcome my questions and suggestions?
- share my childrearing philosophy?
- take time to share my child's experiences with me?
- sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and
anger?
- respect each child's unique background and interests?
- guide rather than direct behavior?
- seem cheerful, affectionate, and warm?
- have training and experience in early child education?
- establish and consistently maintain limits?
Program
Does the program:
- balance active, physical activities with quiet, restful
ones?
- prohibit play that could quickly get out of hand?
- allow children to pursue some activities without being
disturbed by others?
- furnish an environment rich with science materials,
books, building equipment, musical instruments, toy and
art materials, props for dramatic play, natural materials
like sand, water, and clay?
- balance structured and unstructured activities?
Health and Safety
- 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? )
- Is the staff trained in first aid?
- Are important phone numbers posted near the phone?
(Examples include police, fire, poison control center,
hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
- Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with
both parents?
- Does my child receive appropriate supervision?
- Can all doors in the center be opened from the outside at
all times?
- 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 stairways and walkways free from clutter?
- Are dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard,
drawer, or cabinet?
- Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small
throw rugs?
- Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
- Is your child safe around pets? Are pet dishes out of
reach?
- Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with
carpeting or wood chips?
- Do children seem safe with one another?
- Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
- Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for your
child's level of development?
Meals
- Are healthy snacks or meals served?
- Are children allowed to leave food on their plates? (They
should never be forced to eat.)
- Are portions small and second helpings available?
- Is the kitchen clean?
Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.