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Quality Child Care Checklist
NEVER CHOOSE A CHILD CARE PROVIDER WITHOUT OBSERVING THE HOME OR CENTER
FIRST.
USE THIS CHECKLIST AS A GUIDE TO FINDING A QUALITY PROVIDER & CHILD
CARE PROGRAM.
Provider Name, Phone & Location
Provider#1____________________________________________________________
Provider#2____________________________________________________________
Provider#3____________________________________________________________
| Management Policies |
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Are the operating policies & information on the program available
in writing? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is the center or home licensed? Ask to see the license. Is it current?
Does it have any provisions? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is the center or home licensed? Ask to see the license. Is it current?
Does it have any provisions? |
| o |
o |
o |
What are the fees? What is included in the fees? Are there any additional
fees? Are fees continued during sick days, holidays, snow days, etc.? |
| Note: A license Does Not ensure quality, nor
does the absence of a license mean a program is low quality. |
|
Caregivers Behaviors
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Are the caregivers actively involved with the children? Are they
down on the floor at the children’s level? |
| o |
o |
o |
Do the caregivers comfort a child that is crying or
upset? |
| o |
o |
o |
Are the caregivers warm, friendly, patient, & seem to enjoy
being with children? |
| o |
o |
o |
Does the caregiver have education or training in early childhood
development or child development? Are staff members involved in continuing
education on a regular basis? |
|
Stability of Care
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Is there low staff turnover? Children need consistent care with
the ability to form healthy attachments & a sense of trust in
their parent’s absence. |
| Note: Too many changes in caregivers can also slow a
child’s development & leave children reluctant to form relationships.
When children repeatedly switch caregivers, the time they spend grieving
the loss & learning the new caregiver’s way may slow down
their overall development. |
|
Shared Values & Approach To Child-Rearing
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Do you agree with how caregiver’s discipline, praise, teach,
& handle conflict between children |
| o |
o |
o |
Do you agree with the program’s philosophy & the goals
for the children? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is discipline firm & consistent without yelling, shaming, or
physical punishment? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is discipline maintained through careful supervision & clear
limits? |
|
Group Size & Adult to Child Ratios
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Stop & Count. Is the group size small enough so each child can
get personal attention? |
| o |
o |
o |
Count the number of adults. Is the adult to child ratio appropriate?
|
|
Environment
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Do the children’s voices sound happy? Are the caregiver’s
voices calm & caring? |
| o |
o |
o |
Are the surroundings bright, cheerful, colorful, & pleasing
to a child’s eye? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is there enough space, indoors & out? Enough toys & activities
for the number of children? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is there indoor & outdoor equipment & toys for your child’s
age? For all ages? |
|
Basic Health & Safety
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Have safety precautions been taken to prevent accidents? (Electrical
outlets covered, gates at stairs, hazardous supplies locked away,
working smoke detectors, & fire extinguishers.) |
| o |
o |
o |
Are toys & equipment in good condition? |
| o |
o |
o |
Are all areas well maintained & clean, including play &
nap areas, bathrooms, diaper changing areas, & kitchen? |
| o |
o |
o |
Do you see -- frequent hand washing, toys & equipment cleaned
regularly, facility/home is child proof, staff trained in CPR &
First Aid? |
|
Appropriate Programming
|
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Are the activities appropriate for your child’s age? Children
should participate in activities that are not too easy or too difficult
for them. |
| o |
o |
o |
Do activities encourage your child to learn, grow, & develop? |
| o |
o |
o |
Are books, art materials, music, & instruments available? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is there a posted, daily schedule that is flexible & provides
a balance of activities: indoor/outdoor, group/individual, structured
activities/free choice? |
|
Parental Involvement |
| #1 |
#2 |
#3 |
|
| o |
o |
o |
Will the caregiver answer your questions about your child’s
day? |
| o |
o |
o |
Is parental involvement & participation encouraged? |
| o |
o |
o |
Are you & the caregiver seen as partners in parenting? Remember
to work as a team & develop an open & honest relationship. |
| o |
o |
o |
Is there an "Open Door Policy"? Are you welcome to visit
your child at anytime, unannounced? |
For more information on Quality Child Care please contact the Chesterfield
Social Services Department at 748-1100.
Adapted from "Finding Good Child Care", "Choosing a Child
Care Center or Home Provider", and "A Checklist to Guide your
Observations & Questions."
Virginia Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Chesterfield/Colonial
Heights Department of Social Services. Virginia Cooperative Extension
programs & employment are open to all, regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political
affiliation. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. If you
are a person with a disability & desire assistance or accommodation,
please notify the Chesterfield Social Services Department at (804) 748-1100,
between the hours of 8:30AM – 5:00PM.
|
