Checklist for Parents Choosing Childcare

Step One

• Narrow down your options with a search for childcare providers on ChildCareAvenue.com.

Step Two

• Arrange a visit and tour of each facility.

Step Three

At minimum, compare the facilities on the following criteria:

• Does the facility have an up-to-date license?
• Is it clean?
• What are the hours the center is open?
• Is there a limit on the number of hours your child can attend during the hours of operation?
• Is there enough space for the children to play safely?
• Is there enough furniture and play equipment for all of the children?
• Is all equipment in good repair and age appropriate?
• Are dangerous materials and solutions safely out of reach?
• Is there a safety monitoring system in place?
• Does the director observe the rooms on a regular basis?
• Is there an adequate fire safety system in place including alarms, sprinklers, and alternate exits?
• Is there adequate heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation in place?
• Are the meals and snacks provided? If so are they nutritious, age appropriate, and served on time?
• Are the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of the children met by the staff?
• Are the children able to spend time with their friends and alone throughout the day?
• Is there time spent outdoors when weather permits?
• Is the staff exposed to continuing education so they can grow professionally.
• Are there regular communications between parents, children, staff and directors?
• What are the centers' philosophies on discipline and do they correleate with your own?
• Spend time with your child at the center to become comfortable with the experience your child will have.

Step Four

• Check with the appropriate agency that monitors childcare providers in your area to be sure the centers you are considering are performing at a level acceptable to you.

Step Five

• Share your findings with other parents considering the same childcare centers. Browse to the specific childcare center pages at ChildCareAvenue.com and write a review.