Checklist for Quality Care (pdf version)
Caregiver
- Does the caregiver seem to really like children?
- Does the caregiver get down on each child's level to speak to the child?
- Are children greeted when they arrive?
- Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
- Is the caregiver trained in CPR and first aid?
- Is the caregiver involved in continuing education?
- Does the child care facility keep up with children's changing interests?
- Will the caregiver always be willing to answer your questions?
- Will the caregiver tell you what you child is doing every day?
- Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
- Do the caregiver and the children enjoy being together?
- Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts, such as your child care resource and referral agency or Smart Start office, about the best staff/ child ratios for different age groups.)
- Is the caregiver experienced?
- Does the caregiver participate in early childhood development classes or child care credential classes?
Source: Child Care Aware, a national community service campaign sponsored by Dayton Hudson Foundation and Target Stores.
Setting
- Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
- Is the environment clean and well maintained
- Is there a safe outdoor play area with a variety of equipment?
- Can the caregiver see the entire playground at all times?
- Are there areas for resting, quiet play, and active play?
- Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
Activities
- Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
- Are the activities appropriate for each age group?
- Is there a variety of toys and learning materials for the number of children?
- Are toys clean, safe, and within reach of the children?
In General
- Do you agree with the discipline practices?
- Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
- Are children comforted when needed?
- Is the child care facility licensed or registered?
- Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
- Will your child be happy here?