ensuring affordable, accessible, high quality child care for all young children and their families

Child Care Quality Options and Regulations Child Care Checklist Danger Signals Compliance History Additional Resources     Home | Family Services | Finding Child Care | Child Care Checklist Child Care Checklist Research is now available that can help parents make a better child care choice for their children. When you visit a child care program, find out the answers to the questions below. If you can answer yes to most or all of these questions, then your child will have a greater chance of having a successful child care experience. Yes No All Child Care Programs (Centers and Homes) Does the program meet higher than minimal standards by having either a 3-5 star rated license or a national accreditation (such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care)? Are there low child/teacher ratios so that children can receive lots of individual attention all day? Are child care teachers (or family child care providers) who do not have credentials or degrees taking college courses to earn them? Do staff members/family child care providers regularly participate in training opportunities? Do they view themselves as child care professionals? Are the teachers/family child care providers sensitive and responsive to the needs of each child in their care? Are there planned activities for the children? Are there lots of materials and activities, such as books, blocks, puzzles and art supplies available for the children to explore all day long? Do the teachers/providers wash their hands often and help the children wash their hands? Are there written policies and procedures for parents? Are parents always welcome in the center or home? Does the program have references from families who have used its services? Does the director or family child care provider participate in a professional association?     Yes No Child Care Centers Is the director an experienced child care administrator with formal education in early childhood education and child care administration? Does the center have low turnover of teachers, less than 20% each year? Are the teachers paid well and do they have benefits? Do parents have an opportunity to be involved in the center as volunteers in the classroom and on an advisory committee or board?

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