--- {"type":"list","title":"Checklist for Choosing a Daycare","listId":4797,"canonicalUrl":"https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare","visibleItemTotal":61,"creator":{"id":"rizahope","name":"Riza Hope Molo","url":"https://listium.com/@rizahope"},"stats":{"views":1570,"likes":3},"category":"family & parenting / babies & toddlers","publishedAt":"2016-12-10T17:20:33.293Z","updatedAt":"2016-12-10T17:20:33.293Z","fields":[{"id":0,"name":"Questions to Ask Yourself and The Center","type":"PrimaryText"},{"id":2,"name":"Asked?","type":"Symbols","format":"checkbox"},{"id":3,"name":"Rating","type":"Symbols","format":"star_rating"},{"id":4,"name":"Yay or Nay","type":"Symbols","format":"tick_cross"},{"id":5,"name":"Comments","type":"Text","format":"long"}]} --- # Checklist for Choosing a Daycare By [Riza Hope Molo (@rizahope)](https://listium.com/@rizahope) 1570 views · 3 likes Published 10 December 2016 · Updated 10 December 2016 Category: family & parenting / babies & toddlers 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. ## Items ### 1. [Is the license displayed in a visible location?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/1/is-the-license-displayed-in-a-visible-location) Item ID: `1` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 2. [Are separate spaces available for the different age groups?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/2/are-separate-spaces-available-for-the-different-age-groups) Item ID: `2` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 3. [Is the quantity of toys and materials sufficient for the number of children in the classroom?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/3/is-the-quantity-of-toys-and-materials-sufficient-for-the-number-of-children-in-the-classroom) Item ID: `3` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 4. [Are the toys and materials developmentally appropriate for the different age groups?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/4/are-the-toys-and-materials-developmentally-appropriate-for-the-different-age-groups) Item ID: `4` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 5. [Is the classroom arranged in a way that toys and materials are accessible to children?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/5/is-the-classroom-arranged-in-a-way-that-toys-and-materials-are-accessible-to-children) Item ID: `5` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 6. [Are the furnishings in the classrooms child sized?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/6/are-the-furnishings-in-the-classrooms-child-sized) Item ID: `6` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 7. [Are there obvious hazards accessible to the children such as:](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/7/are-there-obvious-hazards-accessible-to-the-children-such-as) Item ID: `7` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 8. [dangerous substances](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/8/dangerous-substances) Item ID: `8` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 9. [electrical cords and/or uncovered electrical outlets](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/9/electrical-cords-andor-uncovered-electrical-outlets) Item ID: `9` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 10. [cleaning materials or medications](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/10/cleaning-materials-or-medications) Item ID: `10` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 11. [Are fire extinguishers on site?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/11/are-fire-extinguishers-on-site) Item ID: `11` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 12. [Are fire escape plans/emergency evacuation plans posted?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/12/are-fire-escape-plansemergency-evacuation-plans-posted) Item ID: `12` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 13. [Are the sinks and bathroom stocked with appropriate supplies?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/13/are-the-sinks-and-bathroom-stocked-with-appropriate-supplies) Item ID: `13` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 14. [Are there planned activities that help my child learn (quiet and active, indoor and outdoor)?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/14/are-there-planned-activities-that-help-my-child-learn-quiet-and-active-indoor-and-outdoor) Item ID: `14` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 15. [Will my child have time every day to run, catch, climb and throw?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/15/will-my-child-have-time-every-day-to-run-catch-climb-and-throw) Item ID: `15` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 16. [Do children have time to play on their own and can they get to toys and activities?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/16/do-children-have-time-to-play-on-their-own-and-can-they-get-to-toys-and-activities) Item ID: `16` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 17. [Is TV and computer time limited?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/17/is-tv-and-computer-time-limited) Item ID: `17` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 18. [Is the space comfortable, organized, child‑friendly and safe?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/18/is-the-space-comfortable-organized-childfriendly-and-safe) Item ID: `18` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 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)?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/19/is-rest-time-based-on-the-needs-of-each-child-infants-sleep-on-their-own-schedule-quiet-activities-for-children-who-dont-nap) Item ID: `19` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 20. [Are there plenty of books for children?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/20/are-there-plenty-of-books-for-children) Item ID: `20` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 21. [Are books available to children in their own languages and for different ages?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/21/are-books-available-to-children-in-their-own-languages-and-for-different-ages) Item ID: `21` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 22. [Is there circle time, storytelling or reading?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/22/is-there-circle-time-storytelling-or-reading) Item ID: `22` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 23. [Are families’ cultures respected in activities and celebrations?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/23/are-families-cultures-respected-in-activities-and-celebrations) Item ID: `23` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 24. [Is the schedule of daily activities posted and current?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/24/is-the-schedule-of-daily-activities-posted-and-current) Item ID: `24` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 25. [How will I hear about my child’s day?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/25/how-will-i-hear-about-my-childs-day) Item ID: `25` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 26. [Am I encouraged to spend time as a guest for lunch or as a volunteer?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/26/am-i-encouraged-to-spend-time-as-a-guest-for-lunch-or-as-a-volunteer) Item ID: `26` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 27. [Do I feel respected as my child’s first and most important teacher?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/27/do-i-feel-respected-as-my-childs-first-and-most-important-teacher) Item ID: `27` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 28. [Are there enough staff members to give attention to all the children?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/28/are-there-enough-staff-members-to-give-attention-to-all-the-children) Item ID: `28` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 29. [Do the child care providers follow handwashing procedures after diapering/toileting?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/29/do-the-child-care-providers-follow-handwashing-procedures-after-diaperingtoileting) Item ID: `29` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 30. [Are toys and equipment safe and age-appropriate?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/30/are-toys-and-equipment-safe-and-age-appropriate) Item ID: `30` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 31. [Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/31/are-staff-trained-in-cpr-and-first-aid) Item ID: `31` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 32. [Is the licensed space child-proofed?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/32/is-the-licensed-space-child-proofed) Item ID: `32` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 33. [Do children and staff wash hands often](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/33/do-children-and-staff-wash-hands-often) Item ID: `33` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 34. [Are there regular fire drills?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/34/are-there-regular-fire-drills) Item ID: `34` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 35. [Does the outdoor play area seem safe?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/35/does-the-outdoor-play-area-seem-safe) Item ID: `35` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 36. [Are there locks on the door to keep strangers out and children in?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/36/are-there-locks-on-the-door-to-keep-strangers-out-and-children-in) Item ID: `36` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 37. [How often are diapers changed?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/37/how-often-are-diapers-changed) Item ID: `37` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 38. [Is there an emergency plan for contacting families?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/38/is-there-an-emergency-plan-for-contacting-families) Item ID: `38` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 39. [Are there rules for when a child becomes ill?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/39/are-there-rules-for-when-a-child-becomes-ill) Item ID: `39` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 40. [What are the rules about food brought from home?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/40/what-are-the-rules-about-food-brought-from-home) Item ID: `40` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 41. [Are children offered healthy meals and snacks?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/41/are-children-offered-healthy-meals-and-snacks) Item ID: `41` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 42. [Are children’s choices, appetites, allergies and religious or cultural restrictions respected?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/42/are-childrens-choices-appetites-allergies-and-religious-or-cultural-restrictions-respected) Item ID: `42` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 43. [Are the child care providers handling conflict among the children in a positive manner?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/43/are-the-child-care-providers-handling-conflict-among-the-children-in-a-positive-manner) Item ID: `43` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 44. [Do staff set limits that are reasonable, clear, consistent and age-appropriate?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/44/do-staff-set-limits-that-are-reasonable-clear-consistent-and-age-appropriate) Item ID: `44` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 45. [What happens when children hit, bite or bully?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/45/what-happens-when-children-hit-bite-or-bully) Item ID: `45` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 46. [Are different cultures, ethnicities and abilities valued?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/46/are-different-cultures-ethnicities-and-abilities-valued) Item ID: `46` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 47. [Do staff smile at, talk and play with, and listen to children?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/47/do-staff-smile-at-talk-and-play-with-and-listen-to-children) Item ID: `47` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 48. [Do staff encourage creativity and age‑appropriate independence?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/48/do-staff-encourage-creativity-and-ageappropriate-independence) Item ID: `48` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 49. [Do staff hold and cuddle with infants and toddlers often, including while feeding?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/49/do-staff-hold-and-cuddle-with-infants-and-toddlers-often-including-while-feeding) Item ID: `49` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 50. [Will the same people take care of my child regularly?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/50/will-the-same-people-take-care-of-my-child-regularly) Item ID: `50` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 51. [Are children comforted when needed?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/51/are-children-comforted-when-needed) Item ID: `51` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 52. [Is this setting bright, pleasant and happy?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/52/is-this-setting-bright-pleasant-and-happy) Item ID: `52` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 53. [Will my child have fun here?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/53/will-my-child-have-fun-here) Item ID: `53` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 54. [Does your child care program have structured time and free time?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/54/does-your-child-care-program-have-structured-time-and-free-time) Item ID: `54` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 55. [How often are the toys cleaned?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/55/how-often-are-the-toys-cleaned) Item ID: `55` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 56. [Do most learning activities happen in small groups or one-on-one?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/56/do-most-learning-activities-happen-in-small-groups-or-one-on-one) Item ID: `56` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 57. [How are the rules explained to the children?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/57/how-are-the-rules-explained-to-the-children) Item ID: `57` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 58. [What is the policy on potty training?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/58/what-is-the-policy-on-potty-training) Item ID: `58` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 59. [What training does the program provide for teachers?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/59/what-training-does-the-program-provide-for-teachers) Item ID: `59` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 60. [How long do workers typically stay with the same group of children?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/60/how-long-do-workers-typically-stay-with-the-same-group-of-children) Item ID: `60` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: - ### 61. [How many children does each teacher take care of?](https://listium.com/@rizahope/4797/checklist-for-choosing-a-daycare/61/how-many-children-does-each-teacher-take-care-of) Item ID: `61` - Asked?: false - Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ - Yay or Nay: - - Comments: -