Choosing a Child Care Provider

• How many children do you take care of?
  • What are their ages?
  • How many come full-time?
  • How many come part-time?
• What would a typical day be like for my child?
  Find out about naps, meals, activities, outside playtime, television, and field trips.
• Who else is in your home during the day?
  Older children? Other relatives? Assistants or helpers?
• What can you tell me about your previous experience and educational background? Do you have experience or training...
  • with children my child's age?
  • in child safety?
  • in first aid and rescue breathing?
  • in child development?
• Why did you become a child care provider?
• How do you handle a child who is sad about being away from home?
  • A child who breaks a rule?
  • A child who is upset?
• How will we talk about my child?
  • Daily conversations or notes at drop-off and pick-up times?
  • What if we need a longer discussion?
• What are your fees and what do they include?
  Find out whether there are extra charges for diapers, food, or field trips; whether parents pay for care when a child is sick or on vacation.
• What hours are you open?
  • What if I am late because of traffic, or have to work overtime?
  • Can parents drop in any time?
• What happens when my child is sick?
  • Can children come if they have a cold?
  • A fever?
  • Diarrhea?
  • Will you let me know if other children are sick?
• What days to you plan to be closed?
  • Do you have backup for those days, or for those times when you are sick?
• Can you give me the names of two or three parents to call for references?

• Does the provider pay individual attention to each child?
• Does she play and talk with the children?
• Does she let them sit in her lap, and give them hugs when they need comfort?
• Does the place seem safe?
  
  
• Look for:
  • smoke alarms on every floor
  • two exits in case of fire
  • outlets and wires protected from toddlers
  • secured cabinets
  • fenced yard
  • toys and play equipment appropriate for your child's age
  • strict pratice of washing hands after diapering and before preparing food
  • no weapons where children could get at them
    
    
• Is there enough room inside for the children to play comfortably?
• Does the outdoor space have enough room for the children to run and play?
• Is there a variety of toys and activities your child would enjoy?
• Are the toys right for your child's age?
• Will your child have a chance to make things, color, build with blocks, put on costumes, listen to stories, dig in sand, play with water or make music?

• Are you comfortable with the provider?
• Would you trust her to take care of your child?
• Do the rules seem reasonable and clear?
• Do you agree with how she disciplines the children?
• Are you happy with the types of activities she plans?
• Will she listen to and understand your concerns?
• Do her references check out?
• Are you comfortable with the other children?
• Will this be a good group for your child?
• Does the place seem right for your child?
• Will your child be comfortable and happy there?