Day Care: Questions to Ask About Preschool Center-Based Care (3 - 6 yr)

Ask the Child Care Provider:

• Is the child care center licensed? Is the licensing permit current?
• What are the tuition payments? When are they due?
• What are the hours? Holiday and vacation schedule?
• Is an initial registration fee required? What are admission requirements?
• Are there extra charges for such things as meals or transportation?
• Are fees reduced if more than one child enrolls?
• Are deductions offered for periods of absence?
• Is financial assistance available?
• Is safe transportation provided?
• What is the caregiver to child ratio? Federal guidelines for centers suggest no more than 1:3 for infants; 1:4 for toddlers; 1:8 for children aged 3 to 6.
• What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
• What are the policies regarding illness? (for example, are parents contacted if another child has a contagious disease? Does caregiver have someone to substitute in case she gets sick?)
• Is a physician on call? Are medical records maintained?
• Is the staff trained in early childhood education and first aid?

Observe or Ask About:

Facility

Does the center have:

• carpeting, pads, and drapery to absorb extraneous noise?
• child-sized furniture?
• a cheerful, colorful atmosphere?
• ample toys and art materials?
• plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
• special areas for quiet and active play?
• safe, creative outdoor play equipment?
• a place to display children's work?
• smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?

Staff

Does the staff:

• welcome my questions and suggestions?
• hold regular parent/teacher conferences?
• share my childrearing philosophy?
• take time to share my child's experiences with me?
• remain gentle, yet firm? consistent, yet flexible?
• have low turnover?
• sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
• respect each child's unique background and interests?
• guide rather than direct behavior?
• really listen and talk to the children?
• kneel or sit at child's eye level?
• spend individual time with each child?
• handle discipline positively?
• establish and consistently maintain limits?

Program

Does the program:

• provide daily outdoor activities?
• balance active, physical activities with quiet, restful ones?
• provide ample rest and nap times?
• prohibit play that could quickly get out of hand?
• maintain an adequate staff to child ratio on the playground?
• help children deal with feelings constructively?
• provide security through a well-defined, predictable schedule of daily activities?
• show children how to help themselves as much as possible?
• allow children to pursue some activities without being disturbed by other youngsters?
• provide plenty of time for children to complete their projects?
• foster curiosity through opportunities to see new things and try out new ideas?
• provide plenty of "hands on" learning experiences?
• furnish an environment rich with science materials, books, building equipment, musical instruments, toy and art materials, props for dramatic play, natural materials like sand, water, and clay?
• balance structured and unstructured activities?
• develop a sense of satisfaction over completing a task or thinking something through?
• design step by step goals for each child?
• plan field trips or invite special visitors?
• encourage language development?

Health and Safety

• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does the staff always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Does your child receive constant supervision, indoors and out?
• Can all doors inside the center be opened from the outside at all times?
• Are the outside doors and windows locked?
• Do strong screens or metal bars cover the windows? (especially important above ground level)
• Do all glass doors have decals?
• Are the rooms well ventilated and comfortable year-round?
• Are the bathroom facilities clean and easily accessible to children?
• Are stairways and walkways free from clutter? Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
• Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, working appliances.)
• Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, first aid supplies.)
• Are the center and outdoor play area free from poisonous plants?
• Do all electrical sockets have protective covers?
• Has attention been paid to objects that could be pulled or knocked over? (Examples include tablecloths, electrical cords, lamps, furniture.)
• Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
• Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
• Do children seem safe with one another?
• Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
• Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for your child's level of development?

Meals

• Are menus varied and posted for my review?
• Are healthy snacks served mid-morning and mid-afternoon?
• Are children allowed to leave food on their plates? (They should never be forced to eat.)
• Are portions small and second helpings available?
• Who plans the menus (dietitian or other staff)?
• Is the kitchen clean?