Look for...

• A current certificate of registration (Family Day Care Homes) or certificate of compliance (Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers)
• Happy, active children who are allowed to explore and socialize with each other
• Nurturing caregivers who respond to the infants and children with respect, patience, and flexibility
• A clean, safe environment set up for the children's needs

Ask about...

• Training sessions the provider has attended, his/her background and experience with children
• The daily program (including routines, and meals), discipline techniques and policies
• The staff/child ratio - are there enough adults to respond to individual children?
• Surprise, unannounced visits - they should be encouraged by the caregiver
• Opportunities for parent involvement
• References (be sure to follow through and check them)
• Accreditation - is the program nationally accredited or working towards accreditation?

Listen for...

• The director/caregiver's tone of voice - is it cheerful and patient?
• Is he/she willing to answer questions?
• Happy, involved childern and caregivers
• Your "inner voice"

Feel...

• The tension or calm in the air
• How the caregiver responds to your child
• How the facility makes you feel
  
  

Helping you decide
Child Care Consultants also provides a Child Care Checklist. We suggest you print a copy and take it with you while visiting prospective child care facilities.