Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care: Step 3

Step 3: Visit

Visit at least 3 programs. Take your child with you. When you go, look at the area, the caregiver(s) and the children. Here is a list of things to check:

Look at the area:

Does it look clean and safe for every age child there? For example, is there a crib for each infant?

Is there enough space to play inside and out so all the children can have room to play?

Do the toys and materials support different types of play, such as imaginative play, building projects, and arts and crafts?

Is there a time and place for both quiet and active play?

Ask to see the provider's license.

Look at the caregiver:

Did the caregiver use a calm voice and talk to the children on their level?

Are you comfortable with the way the caregiver disciplines the children?

Does the caregiver praise accomplishments and help resolve conflicts?

Does the caregiver seem to enjoy and respect the children?

If your child is an infant, does the caregiver connect with your baby by gently holding and talking to the baby?

Will the baby also get attention when she is not crying?

Look at the children:

Are the children doing activities that suit their age and stage of development? Activities that are too hard will be discouraging, but children learn from new activities that are interesting and a little bit challenging.

Are they given a chance to make choices about activities that interest them?

Do the children have a daily schedule which allows for indoor and outdoor play, nap time if appropriate, and time for both individual play and group play?

Are the infants being held and talked to in a reassuring way that will help them learn to trust that their needs will be met?

Next: Step 4: Ask