Choosing Quality Care Checklist

Good lighting
Rooms occupied by children are clean, attractive, safe, roomy, and comfortable
Enough toys, games and materials so that children don't have to wait to use them
Space for each child's belongings, including a change of clothing
A safe outdoor play area, both shaded and open with a variety of age appropriate equipment free of hazards that offer space to run, tumble and play
A book center with good picture books
A parent information board
Sturdy, child-size furniture
Windows low enough for a child to look outside with appropriate safety barriers
Games, arts and crafts, sports and dramatic play for children of all ages
A seperate crib, cot, or nap mat for each child
Quiet, dark and seperate nap area
Are pets present in the facility? If so, will this impact your decision?

A posted schedule of daily activities
Good balance between planned activities that are age appropriate and time for free play
Time for conversation, reading, listening to music, homework, or being alone
Activities are interesting, fun and challenging where children can learn by doing and can succeed
Children work cooperatively on projects and games to solve problems
Children make music and/or listen to music, sing and laugh
Infants, when not asleep, are out of the crib and included in age appropriate activities
Caregiver(s) play with, sing to, hold, and cuddle each child often throughout the day
Caregivers meet regularly to plan and evaluate their program

Up-to-date state license or registration is always posted
Parent's are actively involved, given opportunities to participate, and welcome to visit at any time
Wirtten discipline policy eliminating spanking, shaking, or hurting a child in any way
Emergency procedures are posted
Policy for handling sick children
Holidays and hours of operation are clearly posted

Warm, nurturing, friendly, accepting and patient
Caregiver(s) with training and experience (regulated providers required 30 hours of training every 2 years; accredited programs have higher standards than State licensing regulations and usually a higher quality program)
Director or head teacher with college level training in early childhood education (in a day care center or school age program)
Caregiver(s) work as a team (what is their staff turnover? Low staff turnover may indicate higher quality programs since there has been stable and consistent staff working in the program)
Parents comfortable talking with the caregiver(s)
Caregiver(s) comfort a sad or angry child in a loving way
Caregiver(s) offer positive guidance when a child misbehaves
Caregiver(s) enjoy working with the children
Caregiver(s) really listen to the children and parents
Individual need of children are being met
Words of sincere praise and encouragement are given
Caregiver(s) encourage children to learn new skills
Caregiver(s) are energetic and in control while being flexible and fun
Caregiver(s) are positive roll models for children
Refer to "Exploring Your Options" (Types of Care) for information regarding group size and child to caregiver ratios. The lower ratio of caregiver to child allows more time to be spent with each child, which coul lead to a high quality program.

Well-balanced, nutritious meals
Pleasant and sociable meal times
Infant and toddlers are encouraged to feed themselves
Caregiver(s) sit at the table with the children during mealtimes
Infants held during bottle feedings, and are fed according to their needs and individual schedules
Bottles are refrigerated until needed, and used promptly
Leftover formula discarded at the end of the feeding
Program accommodates special dietary needs

Parents are allowed to visit at any time
Caregiver(s) inform parents about their child's successes and about activities for the day (such as nap schedule, meals, etc.)
Parents make suggestions about menus, activities and program
Parents are encouraged to participate in the program
A parent newsletter and/or bulletin board
Regularly scheduled parent meetings
Parents are encouraged to advocate on behalf of their child (goals, special needs, etc.)

Child size toilet and sinks
Diapers changed without delay after they are soiled or wet, and infants are thoroughly cleaned after the dirty diaper is removed
Changing table surface is disinfected after each child is changed
Caregiver(s)' and child's hands washed after changing each diaper
Toileting begins only when the child is physically ready, interested and able to understand the process of using the toilet
Parents involved in the decision to begin toilet training for their child
Toilet training is a positive, pleasant part of the day

Children are supervised by caregiver(s) at all times
A first-aid/CPR trained staff member at the site at all times
A smoke free environment (even when children are not present)
A well maintained supply of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the facility
Toys and equipment are clean, sanitized and in good repair (for example: free from sharp edges, splinters, paint chips and loose parts)
A written health record is kept for each child
Children will be released to another person only if you have given written permission in advance
Area that is used for food preperation and eating is clean and sanitary
Written procedures for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect by parents or caregiver(s)
Written policy stating that medication will only be given to children by a caregiver who is certified to administer medication
Written policy for handling sick children
Diapering/toilet areas clean, free from odor, well ventilated and removed from the feeding area
Pads and blankets changed and laundered daily or more often as needed
All children and caregiver(s) wash their hands after using the toilet, before and after eating, and as needed throughout the day

The program does not encourage parents to visit or observe
The children move about without any guidance or involvement for 30 minutes or more
The caregiver(s) spend most of their time scolding or yelling at the children