Child Care Checklist for Parents*
Increasing evidence has emerged to show that
children's learning opportunities in the years before
kindergarten have an important effect on their
performance in school and ultimately their ability to
contribute to society as adults. The Office of Child
Development and Early Learning provides this check list
to help parents find the quality child care providers,
such as those participating in the Keystone STARS
program.
What to look for in a quality child care
program
When visiting a program, ask these questions.
Your answers to these questions should be "yes".
Facility:
Is the provider certified by the Department of Public
Welfare and is the certification notice posted? ______
Does the provider participate in Keystone STARS? ______
Are there appropriate toys and materials for children of
all age groups? ______
Does the provider encourage you to drop in and visit at
any time? ______
Staff:
Does staff communicate daily with parents about their
child’s progress? ______
Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual
attention? ______
Does staff sit and read to the children? ______
Does staff seem patient and receptive to children’s
needs? ______
Is staff respectful of children? ______
Is staff respectful of parents? ______
Does staff encourage children’s sharing, manners, and
other good behaviors? ______
Does staff appear lively, smiling, and interacting in a
positive manner with the children? ______
Does staff involve children in daily learning
activities? ______
Safety:
Does the facility appear orderly and clean? ______
Are hazardous materials locked away? ______
Is there an emergency plan and is it posted? ______
Are there security measures in place? ______
Is there a policy for sick children and other
circumstances? ______
Children:
Do the children have a consistent routine that they
can understand and follow? ______
Do the children seem occupied and engaged? ______
Are the children involved in activities that promote
learning? ______
Is there a policy on discipline? ______
Do the children seem happy? ______
Feelings:
Is your initial reaction upon entering the site a
positive one? ______
Is this a place my child would enjoy? ______
Would my child be safe here? ______
Would I/we feel comfortable using this program? ______
Would my child learn new things every day at this
program? ______ |
