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Questions To Ask When Seeking Quality Daycare
Finding safe, responsible caregivers
by Dr. Denise Da Ros
Choosing the right day care for your preschooler is a challenge for every
parent. First there's the choice between in-home and out-of-home care. Then
there's the question of quality. If you've decided on out-of-home day care for
your child, how do you determine whether a center gives the safe, loving care
your child deserves?
Our checklist can help. Simply print it out and familiarize yourself with the
questions. Then, with the checklist in hand, plan to spend at least one hour
visiting each day care you are considering. (The questions are geared to finding
top-quality care for three-year-olds, but can be generalized to include older
and younger children).
Management Policies
1. Does the program have a defined mission statement and goals?
2. Does the program have an open-door policy for parents and guardians?
3. Are the operating policies (covering fees, hours, illness, vacations and
meals) available to you in writing?
General Organization
1. Does the program have an appropriate adult/child ratio? (One general
guideline: One adult per six children, with no more than two children 12 months
or under).
2. Does the program provide many opportunities to develop language, music and
art abilities?
3. Does the program provide opportunities to develop motor skills through indoor
and outdoor activities?
4. Does the program provide areas and opportunities for individual attention,
expression and play?
Teachers/Caregivers
1. Are the children provided with choices? If so, how?
2. Are children encouraged to communicate with peers and adults in a variety of
ways? If so, how?
3. Are teachers warm, affectionate, and do they seem to enjoy being with
children?
4. Do teachers use a pleasant tone of voice and often talk with to the children?
The Daycare Environment
1. Are there quiet/private spaces provided for children?
2. Are there child-sized chairs and tables?
3. Is there appropriate shelving and storage space?
4. Is children's art work prominently displayed and at their eye level?
5. Is the classroom organized and attractive?
6. Are there pictures, books and toys that depict diverse cultures?
7. Is music available for listening, singing and dancing?
HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. What provisions are made for a sick child?
2. Does the program provide a safe, hazard-free environment and careful
supervision?
3. Are wholesome, nutritious meals and snacks served daily on a suitable
schedule?
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISCIPLINE
1. Is cooperation, not competition, stressed?
2. Are children encouraged to express their creative ideas?
3. Does the program encourage social interaction among children and adults?
4. Is reasonable discipline maintained through careful supervision, clear
limits, age-appropriate explanations and moderate use of "time-out?"
5. Do teachers avoid conflicts between children by listening and watching
carefully so they anticipate problems before they occur?
PLAY ACTIVITIES
1. What physical activities are provided indoors for children during bad
weather?
2. Is the outdoor play area stimulating?
3. Are toys organized so that they are easy to find and easy to put away?
4. Are art materials like crayons, paints and play dough provided so children
can make their own free designs?
5. Are props available for pretend play?
Dr. Denise Da Ros is an assistant professor in the department of early and
middle childhood, Youngstown State University.
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