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? ______