Checklist for Choosing a Daycare
Checklist for Choosing a Daycare

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
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Questions to Ask Yourself and The Center
Questions to Ask Yourself and The Center
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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?

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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?

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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?

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Child's Health and Safety

28

Are there enough staff members to give attention to all the children?

29

Do the child care providers follow handwashing procedures after diapering/toileting?

30

Are toys and equipment safe and age-appropriate?

31

Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?

32

Is the licensed space child-proofed?

33

Do children and staff wash hands often

34

Are there regular fire drills?

35

Does the outdoor play area seem safe?

36

Are there locks on the door to keep strangers out and children in?

37

How often are diapers changed?

38

Is there an emergency plan for contacting families?

39

Are there rules for when a child becomes ill?

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Child's Nutrition

40

What are the rules about food brought from home?

41

Are children offered healthy meals and snacks?

42

Are children’s choices, appetites, allergies and religious or cultural restrictions respected?

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Child Discipline Policy

43

Are the child care providers handling conflict among the children in a positive manner?

44

Do staff set limits that are reasonable, clear, consistent and age-appropriate?