Childcare Checklist for Parents

The Place:

It is clean and well maintained
The setting is bright, cheerful, and well ventilated.
It is free of safety hazards.
There are enough toys and equipment that are safe, age-appropriate and in reach of the children.
There is enough space for all activities (indoor/outdoor play, naptime, diapering, etc.).
The meals and snacks are appetizing and nutritious.

The Provider:

The caregiver has good training and experience with children.
Staff turnover is low.  The provider is committed to staying in business.
If dealing with a child care center, there are enough staff to give chidlren individual attention.
The provider uses positive reinforcement, sets limits consistently and gently and gives children choices.
The provider and children seem to like each other and the children seem happy.
The provider is warm, friendly, patient and holds the children in a loving and caring manner.
The provider plays with, listens to, talks with and encourages children to express themselves.
The provider understands a child's different developmental stages.
The children are encouraged to learn to get along and respect each other.
The provider responds quickly to children's needs.
The provider's child rearing philosophies are similar to mine.
There is a posted, written schedule that shows a balanced, daily routine.  There are active/quiet times, outdoor/indoor play times, with varied and age appropriate activities.
There is time for children to work as a group and time for children to be alone.
The schedule can be adjusted to meet my child's needs and moods on any given day.
Boys and girls are equally encouraged to participate in activities.
The values of the program are compatible with my values.

Parental Involvement

Parents can make unannounced visits at any time.
Parents are involved in making some decisions.
Parents can speak with the provider when they drop off and pick up children.
Parents meet with the provider on a regular basis.

Care for Infants:

There is a quiet place for a baby to sleep.
Providers respond to crying babies in a caring way.
Infants have space and freedom to play, climb and crawl.
Diapers are changed often and in a clean area.  Staff wash their hands after each diaper is changed.

Care for School-Aged Children:

Transportation is safely provided to and from school.
Children have freedom and flexibility after a structured school day.
Children have space and time to do homework.

Final Considerations:

Parents of other children in the program speak well of it.
I would be happy here if I were a child.
I feel comfortable leaving my child here.

This checklist has been adapted from materials developed by The Family & Workplace Connection.

In addition to KLRU, this article is published thanks to I Am Your Child Texas Network; the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension for Delaware Health and Social Services Early Intervention System; and Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.