Checklist for Choosing a Daycare

Checklist of questions to ask yourself, the center and care providers before making a decision on which daycare suits best for you and your child.

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Riza Hope Molo
Riza Hope Molo
10th December 2016 in family & parenting
Checklist for Choosing a Daycare
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Questions to Ask Yourself and The Center
Questions to Ask Yourself and The Center
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  • phase
    {dropdown}

  • phase
    Tour Inside The Center

  • 1

    Is the license displayed in a visible location?

  • 2

    Are separate spaces available for the different age groups?

  • 3

    Is the quantity of toys and materials sufficient for the number of children in the classroom?

  • 4

    Are the toys and materials developmentally appropriate for the different age groups?

  • 5

    Is the classroom arranged in a way that toys and materials are accessible to children?

  • 6

    Are the furnishings in the classrooms child sized?

  • 7

    Are there obvious hazards accessible to the children such as:

  • 8

    dangerous substances

  • 9

    electrical cords and/or uncovered electrical outlets

  • 10

    cleaning materials or medications

  • 11

    Are fire extinguishers on site?

  • 12

    Are fire escape plans/emergency evacuation plans posted?

  • 13

    Are the sinks and bathroom stocked with appropriate supplies?

  • phase
    What Will My Child Do During The Day?

  • 14

    Are there planned activities that help my child learn (quiet and active, indoor and outdoor)?

  • 15

    Will my child have time every day to run, catch, climb and throw?

  • 16

    Do children have time to play on their own and can they get to toys and activities?

  • 17

    Is TV and computer time limited?

  • 18

    Is the space comfortable, organized, child‑friendly and safe?

  • 19

    Is rest time based on the needs of each child (infants sleep on their own schedule, quiet activities for children who don’t nap)?

  • 20

    Are there plenty of books for children?

  • 21

    Are books available to children in their own languages and for different ages?

  • 22

    Is there circle time, storytelling or reading?

  • 23

    Are families’ cultures respected in activities and celebrations?

  • phase
    How Are Parents Included?

  • 24

    Is the schedule of daily activities posted and current?

  • 25

    How will I hear about my child’s day?

  • 26

    Am I encouraged to spend time as a guest for lunch or as a volunteer?

  • 27

    Do I feel respected as my child’s first and most important teacher?

  • phase
    Child's Health and Safety

  • phase
    {dropdown}

  • phase
    Tour Inside The Center

  • 1

    Is the license displayed in a visible location?

  • 2

    Are separate spaces available for the different age groups?

  • 3

    Is the quantity of toys and materials sufficient for the number of children in the classroom?

  • 4

    Are the toys and materials developmentally appropriate for the different age groups?

  • 5

    Is the classroom arranged in a way that toys and materials are accessible to children?

  • 6

    Are the furnishings in the classrooms child sized?

  • 7

    Are there obvious hazards accessible to the children such as:

  • 8

    dangerous substances

  • 9

    electrical cords and/or uncovered electrical outlets

  • 10

    cleaning materials or medications

  • 11

    Are fire extinguishers on site?

  • 12

    Are fire escape plans/emergency evacuation plans posted?

  • 13

    Are the sinks and bathroom stocked with appropriate supplies?

  • phase
    What Will My Child Do During The Day?

  • 14

    Are there planned activities that help my child learn (quiet and active, indoor and outdoor)?

  • 15

    Will my child have time every day to run, catch, climb and throw?

  • 16

    Do children have time to play on their own and can they get to toys and activities?

  • 17

    Is TV and computer time limited?

  • 18

    Is the space comfortable, organized, child‑friendly and safe?

  • 19

    Is rest time based on the needs of each child (infants sleep on their own schedule, quiet activities for children who don’t nap)?

  • 20

    Are there plenty of books for children?

  • 21

    Are books available to children in their own languages and for different ages?

  • 22

    Is there circle time, storytelling or reading?

  • 23

    Are families’ cultures respected in activities and celebrations?

  • phase
    How Are Parents Included?

  • 24

    Is the schedule of daily activities posted and current?

  • 25

    How will I hear about my child’s day?

  • 26

    Am I encouraged to spend time as a guest for lunch or as a volunteer?