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What should you look for in a
child day center?
Whether you are considering a commercial learning center or one in someone's
home, you should check it out carefully. Ask questions of the staff and members.
Talk to parents of other children at the child care center. Look over the center
carefully. This handout gives you a list of questions to get started.
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Ask about the child to staff ratio.
 | How many children are there for each staff member? The fewer children each
staff member is responsible for, the better. A ratio of one staff
person for 6 to 8 small children might be good. One staff member for 10 to
14 older children may be okay.
| Are the younger and older children separated? Separating the older and
younger children helps reduce the number of infections that are passed
around. |
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Ask about the center's policies.
| What are the center's policies on discipline and other important issues?
| Are the policies in writing? (Ask for a copy.) |
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What can I do to keep
child care safe for my child?
| Visit with the staff at the day-care center. Go to meetings for family
members and learn about the concerns of staff and other parents.
| Suggest educational programs for parents and staff members. Helpful topics
include child development, first aid, dental care, skin cancer prevention,
general safety and recognizing abuse.
| Help with cleaning and repairs at the day-care center. Many centers
appreciate parents helping out as playground supervisors.
| Ask your child every day what happened at school. Be
sure to ask specific open-ended questions. |
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Ask how the center cares for sick children.
| How is medicine given?
| How are parents told about illness among the children?
| When must children stay home because of illness?
| Does the center have a "sick room" for children with minor
illnesses?
| Are children required to have vaccinations before coming to
school?
| Is a physical exam required before admission?
| Does the center keep a record of health-related problems, such as
illnesses, injuries and accidents, for each child? |
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Ask about staff training.
| What are the training requirements for staff members?
| Are all staff members certified in basic first aid?
| Are all staff members trained in child development?
| Are all staff members trained in identification of abused children?
| Are all staff members trained in preventing illness and injury?
| Does the center have rules about careful and frequent hand-washing? This
is key to reduce the spread of illness among the children. All staff members
must wash their hands each time they diaper a child and before fixing meals
or snacks. |
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Check building and playground safety.
| Are poison control phone numbers and ambulance phone numbers clearly
posted?
| Does the playground have impact-absorbing surfaces, such as wood chips,
under the swings and slides?
| Are young children able to get to high places?
| Are the children protected from strangers?
| Are fire drills held at least every month?
| Are there smoke alarms throughout the building?
| Does the center use space heaters?
| Are safety gates used in areas for small children?
| Are electric outlets covered?
| Are sharp corners of furniture covered?
| Are the toys kept clean? Washable toys should be washed every day with a
disinfectant cleaner, such as Lysol or a solution of water and bleach.
| Does the learning center staff regularly clean all surfaces with disinfectant? |
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What are some signs that would tell me if there are
problems?
| The staff fails to answer your questions and address your concerns.
| There is no way for parents to be involved in the
center practices.
| Your child tells you about problems or is not happy with his or her
experience.
| Unexplained accidents happen frequently.
| The staff changes often.
| The management can't offer you a written copy of their policies.
| Other parents tell you about problems or concerns with the center. |
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