Day Care: Questions to Ask About Preschool Family Care

Ask the Child Care Provider:

• Can you tell me more about your background and experience?
• What are some reasons you enjoy taking care of children? Do you have children of your own?
• How will my child be transported if you leave the house?
• What are your expectations regarding length of commitment?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have any health problems?
• Have you had training in first aid?
• What kinds of activities might you plan for my child?
• What are your views on discipline? Meals? Television? Playmates?
• What would you do if . . . ? (Give examples relevant to your situation: medical and personal emergencies, common problems with child.)
• Can you give me several references?
• May I have a tour of your home?
• Are you trained in first aid?
• Do you have a current licensing permit?
• What are the tuition payments? When are they due?
• What are the hours? Holiday and vacation schedule?
• 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?
• 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?)
• What questions do you have for me?

Observe or Ask About:

Home

Does the home have:

• ample toys and art materials?
• plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
• special areas for quiet and active play?
• safe, creative outdoor play equipment?
• a quiet place for homework?
• places to practice extracurricular skills (sports, music, dance)?
• smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?

Caregiver

Does the caregiver:

• welcome my questions and suggestions?
• share my childrearing philosophy?
• take time to share my child's experiences with me?
• really listen and talk to the children?
• sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
• respect each child's unique background and interests?
• guide rather than direct behavior?
• seem cheerful, affectionate, and warm?
• have training and experience in early child education?
• 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/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?
• 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?
• design step by step goals for each child?
• plan field trips or invite special visitors?

Health and Safety

• 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? )
• Is the staff trained in first aid?
• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Does my child receive appropriate supervision?
• Can all doors in the center be opened from the outside at all times?
• 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 dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet?
• Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
• Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
• Is your child safe around pets? Are pet dishes out of reach?
• 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 healthy snacks or meals served?
• Are children allowed to leave food on their plates? (They should never be forced to eat.)
• Are portions small and second helpings available?
• Is the kitchen clean?