Choosing Quality Child Care
Before choosing a child care provider, parents should visit several sites and remember the following important details:
Look
What is your first impression? Are the children happy? Are there plenty of toys, and are they age-appropriate? Do staff members seem to enjoy talking to the children? You may want to visit more than once, and visit at different times of the day.
Listen
Does the program sound like it has a good balance of activity going on? Too much noise could mean a lack of control, and too much quiet could mean that there is not enough activity. Listen to how the staff members speak to the children; do they model appropriate language and style?
Count
Count the number of children in the classroom and then count the number of staff. Lower numbers of children per staff means more individual attention for each child. Find out if the center meets the minimum staff-to-child ratios required by the Department of Children and Families.
Ask
Ask about the background and experience of the staff, director, teachers, and anyone else who may come in contact with your child. Look for any special training or accreditation the program has received.
Be Informed
Find out more about efforts in the community to improve the quality of early care and education. Is the caregiver active in any professional organizations?