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Basic Child Care
Checklist
Use the following checklist
to measure the quality of each child care center or home you visit.
THE CAREGIVERS ARE:
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Warm, friendly, and
supportive to parents and children.
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Speaking to the child
at the child’s eye level.
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Trained and
experienced in early childhood education.
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Receiving additional
training.
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Respectful of
different cultural values.
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Currently CPR and
First Aid certified.
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Able to keep up with
children’s changing interests.
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Able to discipline
with words, tone of voice, and actions that show respect.
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Willing to provide
references.
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Use good health
habits.
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Welcome surprise
visits.
THE SETTING:
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Are you welcome to
tour the entire child care area?
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Is the license or
certificate posted?
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Is the child care area
pleasant, clean, and comfortable?
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Does it have a
fenced-in outdoor play area and safe equipment?
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Are there separate
areas for resting, quiet, and active play?
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Where will your child
be sleeping and what will he/she sleep on?
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Are the areas large
enough so children can move freely and safely?
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Are there adequate and
appropriate toys?
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
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A balance of play,
stories, activities, and nap times.
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Age appropriate
activities planned and posted.
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Enough clean and safe
toys for all children.
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Age appropriate
transportation policies.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
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Inside areas are free
of hazards (poisons, sharp objects, cleaning products, etc.
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Outside play area is
free of hazards (playground equipment, sandbox, etc.)
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Cupboards have
childproof locks.
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Smoke detectors work.
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Fire extinguisher is
charged and easily accessible.
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Emergency numbers are
posted.
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Electrical outlets are
covered.
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Stairways have safety
gates.
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Pets are clean and
friendly.
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Good health habits are
encouraged with children.
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Toilet and diapering
procedures are used.
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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.
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Termination and trial
period policy.
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Fee Payments.
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How are they
calculated?
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When is the payment
due?
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Are there fees for
holidays and vacations (yours/provider’s)?
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Are there fees when
the provider is sick?
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Are there fees when
your child is sick?
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Are there early
drop-off and late pick-up fees?
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Drop off and pick up
times—are these flexible?
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Field trip
policies—are field trip permission slips used?
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Discipline policy.
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Child illness policy.
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Provider illness
policy.
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Substitute provider
policy.
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Non-discrimination
policy (race, religion, special needs, etc.).
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Miscellaneous items:
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