Checklist

Comment: Here's a good checklist to use when looking for an all day situation for very young children.

Child care checklists
By The Associated Press
Some things to look for when visiting child-care settings:
Are there enough adults to meet the children's needs?

Do caregivers seem to enjoy caring for the children? Are there joyful interactions between them?

Are children encouraged to talk with each other?

Is the noise level comfortable?

Is the center or home bright, cheerful, clean, safe and well ventilated? Is all equipment clean, safe and in good working order?

Is there a posted plan of activities being followed that includes large muscle play (i.e., running, climbing); quiet play with toys the child chooses; time for reading and talking; rest; and snacks and meals?

Does each child have a place for her or his belongings?

Is there a clean diaper-changing area with a nearby sink?

Are infants always fed in an upright position and held by an adult until they can sit by themselves for feeding? (No bottles should be allowed in bed or propped.)

Is the food nutritious, well prepared and suitable for the age group?

Is there protective surfacing under all indoor and outdoor climbing equipment?

Are the toilets and sinks clean and easy to reach?

Do caregivers and children wash their hands before and after handling food? Before giving medication? After playing in sandboxes? After changing a diaper or using the toilet?

Is the area free of secondhand tobacco smoke?

What to ask caregivers

What hours and days are you open?
How much do you charge?

When is payment due?

Do you charge for holidays, absences due to vacations or illness, or late pickups?

How many children do you care for?

How much child-care experience and education do you have?

How many adults care for the children?

What ages do you serve?

Can I visit at any time?

How do you handle discipline?

What do you do if my child is sick?

How do you handle an emergency?

Do you have a back-up caregiver?

Do caregivers have up-to-date CPR and First Aid training?

What to ask references

Was the caregiver reliable?

How did the caregiver discipline your child?

How did you get along with the caregiver?

Was the caregiver respectful of your values and culture?

Would you recommend the caregiver?

If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you leave?

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Michigan Department of Human Services.