Eat blueberries and strawberries dipped
in whipped cream.
 

Basic Child Care Checklist

Use the following checklist to measure the quality of each child care center or home you visit.

THE CAREGIVERS ARE:

• Warm, friendly, and supportive to parents and children.

• Speaking to the child at the child’s eye level.

• Trained and experienced in early childhood education.

• Receiving additional training.

• Respectful of different cultural values.

• Currently CPR and First Aid certified.

• Able to keep up with children’s changing interests.

• Able to discipline with words, tone of voice, and actions that show respect.

• Willing to provide references.

• Use good health habits.

• Welcome surprise visits.

THE SETTING:

• Are you welcome to tour the entire child care area?

• Is the license or certificate posted?

• Is the child care area pleasant, clean, and comfortable?

• Does it have a fenced-in outdoor play area and safe equipment?

• Are there separate areas for resting, quiet, and active play?

• Where will your child be sleeping and what will he/she sleep on?

• Are the areas large enough so children can move freely and safely?

• Are there adequate and appropriate toys?

• A balance of play, stories, activities, and nap times.

• Age appropriate activities planned and posted.

• Enough clean and safe toys for all children.

• Age appropriate transportation policies.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Inside areas are free of hazards (poisons, sharp objects, cleaning products, etc.

• Outside play area is free of hazards (playground equipment, sandbox, etc.)

• Cupboards have childproof locks.

• Smoke detectors work.

• Fire extinguisher is charged and easily accessible.

• Emergency numbers are posted.

• Electrical outlets are covered.

• Stairways have safety gates.

• Pets are clean and friendly.

• Good health habits are encouraged with children.

• Toilet and diapering procedures are used.

• A First-Aid kit is available.

CONTRACTS AND POLICIES INCLUDE:

It is very important to read carefully and understand everything before you sign your child care contract. If you don’t understand, ask questions.

• Termination and trial period policy.

• Fee Payments.

  1. How are they calculated?

  2. When is the payment due?

  3. Are there fees for holidays and vacations (yours/provider’s)?

  4. Are there fees when the provider is sick?

  5. Are there fees when your child is sick?

  6. Are there early drop-off and late pick-up fees?

• Drop off and pick up times—are these flexible?

• Field trip policies—are field trip permission slips used?

• Discipline policy.

• Child illness policy.

• Provider illness policy.

• Substitute provider policy.

• Non-discrimination policy (race, religion, special needs, etc.).

• Miscellaneous items:

  1. Hours of operation

  2. Liability insurance

  3. What parents are to provide

  4. Conferences