Ask - Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you see all the areas in the program your child will be including the sleeping, outside, and eating area(s). Are the children watched at all times including outside and while they are asleep? Do adults and children wash their hands? Is the play space organized and are materials easy to use? Can your child easily access toys and materials throughout the day? Are positive child guidance techniques used? Click on these links to find more things you can look for and ask about on your visit.

     

      Essentials for Your Child Care Visit 

      Is this the Right Place for my Child?

 

Look - Spend sometime in the program observing the interactions between caregivers and children. Are the caregivers warm and welcoming? Do caregivers engage in conversation with the children? Do caregivers read to children? Check out this clip to see postive teacher interaction throughout a creative curriculum day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Count - Be sure to ask how many children there are per provider (provider to child ratios). You will want to inquire about how much individual/ group attention you child will get through the day. In some settings there are fewer children per provider which may be better for your child's needs. Find out more about child care ratios below. 

 

Question the Staff -  Ask about the caregivers’ training, education and experience. Caregivers with training and/or degrees that encompass working with children may be better able to help your child learn. Check how long caregivers have been providing care at that program. Consistency typically helps children adjust better to a new program; so it may be best if your child can stay with the same caregiver at least a year.