Choosing a Child Care Program-What Do I Ask? (Adapted from Healthy Steps)
- What is your philosophy about caring for infants and toddlers?
- How are childcare providers trained and how often?
- How long have your current childcare providers been working here?
- How do parents and caregivers share information each day about things like: feeding; diapering; and sleeping?
- How many children will be in my child's group?
- Are there different children in the group at different times of the day?
- What will you do if my child becomes ill? Who will notify me?
- How do you discipline a child who is acting up?
- How do you handle toileting? Toileting accidents?
- What are the fees? What do they cover?
- Are we required to volunteer a certain amount of time?
- Do we have to pay for weeks we are away on vacation?
- Is there an outside play area nearby?
- Are there a good mix of toys and materials that are right for different ages?
- What meals or snacks do you make and what food/meals do I bring?
- Who supplies formula or milk for my child?
- What shall I send with my child each day? (Snacks_____ Lunch_____ Change of clothes _____ A favorite toy_____)
- Will my child be assigned to one particular childcare provider for each work shift?
- When is the change in the work shift?
- What is the routine for the day? Where is it posted?
- How much will my infant or toddler be able to set his or her own schedule for the day?
- How are drop-offs and pickups monitored?
- How do you ensure my child's safety?
- Can parents make unannounced visits?
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011