Choosing a Childcare Program

Having a good child care situation arranged for your child is critical for your peace of mind and for your child’s development. Choosing the right child care program for your needs requires visiting places, asking lots of questions, and listening. Listed below are local child care resource and referral agencies who will help steer you in the right direction.

Some things to consider when visiting child care centers or home caregivers:

• Does the caregiver appear to enjoy talking and playing with children?
• How does the caregiver respond to a fussy child or resolve conflicts among children?
• Is the home or center child-proofed and clean?
• Are the children there happy and content?
• What is the child-to-caregiver ratio?
• Are providers licensed or registered? What is their training, experience, qualification?
• Are they willing to give you references (parents of other children) to call?
• Is there a safe outdoor play area and can the caregiver see all of it at all times?
• Is there a good balance of age appropriate activities?
• Do you agree with the discipline practices?
• Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
• Are meals and snacks appetizing and sufficient?
• Is it clear what the fees cover?