Choosing Child Care
What do you look for?
When visiting a child care facility, you can learn a lot just by keeping your eyes open and looking for the following things.
The Place
- Is the children’s area safe, clean and organized?
- Are there enough toys for the number of children?
- Is there evidence of planned activities? Look for a lesson plan and a schedule of daily activities.
- Does the outdoor play area provide opportunities for running, climbing, jumping, swinging and imaginative play?
The People
- Are there enough adults to care for the number of children?
- Do the staff members appear to enjoy their work? Are they smiling and playing with the children?
- Are you comfortable with the discipline you see?
- Does what you see happening match what the director says about the program?
- Are the children generally happy, relaxed and busy?
- How do you feel about the people in the program?
The Activities
- Are children encouraged to talk to caregivers and each other?
- Are children allowed to explore and investigate?
- Are children moving about without sitting or waiting for long periods of time?
- Are children allowed to make choices about their activities?
- Are children read to regularly? Are there books available for their use?
