Choosing a Child Care Program-What Do I Ask? (Adapted from Healthy Steps) 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
