Evaluating Providers

The following points are good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center.

Caregivers/Teachers Do the caregivers/teachers seem to really like children?
Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child's level to speak to the child?
Are children greeted when they arrive?
Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
Are the caregivers/teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
Are the caregivers/teachers involved in continuing education programs?
Does the program keep up with children's changing interests?
Will the caregivers/teachers always be ready to answer your questions?
Will the caregivers/teachers tell you what your child is doing every day?
Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?
Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts about the best staff/child ratios for different age groups.)
Are caregivers/teachers trained and experienced?
Have they participated in early childhood development classes?
Setting Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment? Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?
Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
Activities Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
Are the activities right for each age group?
Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children?
Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children?
In General Do you agree with the discipline practices?
Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
Are children comforted when needed?
Is the program licensed or regulated?
Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
Will your child be happy there?