CHILD CARE CHECKLIST
How to Choose a Program
Choosing a child care program can be a challenge. When selecting a program, visit at a time of day when the children should be active, such as in the morning. Take your child along and do nothesitate to ask questions! Review and use this checklist as a guide, but do not expect to find everything listed here. Choose the program with which you are most comfortable.
Look For:
Staff
- Present children with respect, flexibility, and patience
- Are able to meet your child's developmental and emotional needs
- Are of a sufficient number to meet the needs of the children
- Take time to discuss your child with you
- Practices good personal hygiene
- Have previous experience or training in working with children
Facility
- Safe indoor and outdoor areas and equipment
- Orderly, clean play areas
- Airy rooms with bright colors
- Sanitary bathrooms and diaper changing areas
Health and Safety
- Comfortable temperatures summer and winter
- Rounded table corners, other furniture safety features
- Non-toxic play materials
- First aid kit
- Healthy snacks and/or meals
- Clean kitchen area
- Handwashing after toileting and before meals, snacks
- Separate cribs for infants
- Separate cots/mats for others
- Cleaning materials, medicines, out of reach of children
Program
- State mandated staff:child ratios
- Infants (1:4), Young Toddlers (1:5) Older Toddlers (1:6), Preschoolers (1:10)
- Creative play
- Plenty of play materials
- Plenty of educational materials
- Organized program of activities
- Supervised rest time
- Minimal, supervised TV, if any
- Stories read
General
- A license or certificate from the PA Department of Education and/or
- A license or certificate from the PA Department of Public Welfare
- Rules are clearly explained
- Positive behavior encouraged
- Parental visiting encouraged
- Children allowed to get dirty naturally through play
- No children "left out"
- Lots of laughing, caring, and sharing
- HAPPY children!!
Ask the Questions
- May I drop in anytime?
- May I participate in program planning?
- May I take part in special events and trips?
- What are the hours?
- What are the fees?
- What does this include? (eg. diapers, meals, trips, etc.)
- Are the caregivers trained in child development?
- What are the degree requirements for staff?
- What are the hiring procedures?
- Is there a reduction in fee if my child is out sick?
- What happens if my child gets sick/injured at the center?
- How long has most staff worked here?
- May I contact staff references?
- Is there a parents' group or programming committee?
- Are there restrictions on who may pick up my child?
After Your Child Begins Attending:
- Drop in unannounced and visit regularly
- Leave emergency contact information at the facility
- Set up two or three "back-up plans" in case of your child's sickness or your own
- Get involved with your child's care experience!
Copies of day care regulations can be obtained by calling the PA Department of Public Welfare Day Care Unit toll-free at 1-800-222-2117.
This checklist was compiled from expert and provider research by:
The Pennsylvania Commission on WomenP.O. Box 1326
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 787-8128