Evaluating Your Childcare
Research says that quality childcare during the first few years of life
is very important. However, trying to find quality childcare can seem
challenging. What does "quality childcare" mean?
Experts point to many factors that define quality childcare. Accreditation
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or
other national childcare organizations usually indicates very high quality
childcare. Ask your childcare provider if they are accredited. Still many
very good places may not be accredited. You can use the other indicators
to decide if your childcare is of high quality.
- Friendliness. Children should like the teacher and the teacher
should like the children. A friendly atmosphere is important for
children of any age. Older children can tell you how they like the
teacher but infants may fuss just because you are leaving them.
Ask about how long fussing lasted and what activities your child
did while at child care to find out if they feel comfortable there.
You need to like the teacher, too, to feel safe leaving your child.
- Supervision. Children should never be left alone.
Discipline should be fair and consistent. Spanking or
embarrassing children are not acceptable forms of discipline.
Children should be given lots of love and attention.
- Changing staff. Having the same teachers over time without a lot
of changes helps children feel secure. Ask how long the teachers have
worked there and what is the average length of staying in the job.
- Cleanliness. Frequent hand washing is important.
Hands should be washed before eating and after changing diapers
or using the bathroom. Check to see if there are child level
sinks or step stools so children can reach the sinks. Also check
to see if there is a potty for children.
- Teacher background. Directors and teachers should have a
college degree in a child-related field. Check to see that
they have a few years of experience working in childcare.
- Staff Ratio and Group Size. Care is usually better when
there are smaller numbers of children per teacher. Count how
many caregivers and children are usually there. Acceptable
ratios depend on your child's age. For instance, a ratio of
one or two children per teacher is typical for babies. Preschool
age children are okay in groups of 5 or 6 per teacher.
- Health and safety. All children should be immunized and up
to date records should be available. Medications and cleaning
products should be kept in locked cabinets out of reach of children.
The building should not have dangerous substances such as radon or lead.
- Emergency Plans. Escape plans should be posted in case of fire,
flood or earthquake. Children should practice these drills regularly.
Check to see that emergency phone numbers are posted by the phone.
Caregivers should be trained in first aid.
- Playgrounds. Playgrounds should have safe equipment that is right
for your child's age. Also it should be surrounded by a fence.
Regular safety checks of the playground are good too.
Your childcare facility should encourage you to drop in and
observe your child's care. If you think your childcare is
inadequate, talk to the director about your concerns. If your
concerns are not addressed, decide if they are serious enough
to find new childcare.
In the end, one of the most important factors to choosing childcare
is how you feel about the teacher. Do you agree with his or her
approach to caring for children? Do you think they really understand
and care about your child? Do you feel comfortable leaving your child
with the teacher? Does your child like and admire the teacher? Talk to
other parents and see if their impressions of the teacher are favorable.
Adapted in part from A Parent's Guide to Choosing Safe and
Healthy Child Care, National Resource Center for Health and
Safety in Child Care.