In some of the other articles we talked about interviewing a childcare provider to ensure that your child gets the quality care he/she deserves. Given here is a checklist that lists certain attributes you should always look for in the care provider. This will make it much easier for you to select the right childcare provider / program.

• Do the caregivers/teachers seem to really like children?
• Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?
• Is there enough staff to serve the children?
• Are caregivers/teachers trained and experienced?
• Have they participated in early childhood development classes?
• Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
• Is the program licensed or regulated?
• Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
• Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment? Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?
• Are the caregivers/teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
• Are the caregivers/teachers involved in continuing education programs?
• Does the program keep up with children's changing interests?
• Will the caregivers/teachers always be ready to answer your questions?
• Will the caregivers/teachers tell you what your child is doing every day?
• Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
  Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
• Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child's level to speak to the child?
• Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
• Are children comforted when needed?
  
• Are children greeted when they arrive?
  
• Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
  
• Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
  
• Are the activities right for each age group?
  
• Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children?
  
• Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children?
  
• Do you agree with the discipline practices?
  
• Will your child be happy there?

Copyright 2001, 2004. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this article in whole or in part without written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited. For information about reprinting this article, contact the copyright owner: Vanessa Rasmussen, Ph.D, Starting a Day Care Center, http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com.