Checklist to use when checking out child care programs

At Peace of Mind, we encourage you to visit other daycare centers and compare quality of care.  We have developed a checklist which may be useful as you are visiting programs.  Hopefully this will be a useful tool that will help you in your search for quality care.

 For Children of All Ages:

~ What is the experience of the director, and how long have they been with the     program?
~ Is the owner on site?  When? 
~ Is the program accredited?  If not, why not?
~ What is the center’s licensing record?  Have there been any complaints against the program?  Were the complaints documented or not documented by a licensing official?
~ What is the security of the program?  Are the doors locked at all times?
~ What is the policy for releasing children to someone other than parents
~ What is the center’s policy regarding sick children?
~  What is the center’s tuition and payment policy?
~ Is there a late pick up fee?  Is there a late payment fee?
~ Is there a credit for time missed for vacation?  Sick time? 
~ What is the rate of staff turnover (industry average is 30-40%).
~ What benefits are provided for teaching staff.
~ What things does the center do to ensure a stable staff?
~ What happens when someone calls in sick?  Does the center use substitute teachers who are not regular members of the staff?
~ Ask for parent references!
~ Ask to speak directly to the person who would be your child’s lead teacher.
~ Are parents welcome visitors any time?
~ Does the center take field trips?   If so, what are transportation arrangements?
~ Does the center conduct regular fire drills and tornado drills?
~ Check for fire emergency location, and safe areas in case of a storm.
~ Are staff certified in CPR and 1^st aid on site at all time? 

Specifically for infants:

~ What is the staff to child ratio (1:4 is recommended maximum)
~ Does the environment seem warm?
~ Does the environment seem clean?
~ Is there a crib for each individual child?
~ Does the center provide bedding?  How often is it washed?
~ What are feeding policies?
~ Are infants held for feedings?
~ How often are diapers changed or checked?
~ What is napping policy?
~ Is there a separate crib room?  If so, how often are physical checks done?
~ Is there a monitor in the crib room?
~ Are the lights always on, or turned down for sleeping?
~ What is the philosophy regarding learning?
~ Does the program use sign language with the infants?
~ How often are toys cleaned and sanitized?
~ What is cleaning process?
~ Is there a nurse consultant?  What is his or her role? 

Specifically for toddlers:

~ What is the staff to child ratio (1:7 is recommended maximum)
~ What is the curriculum philosophy?
~ What is the daily schedule?
~ What is the philosophy regarding potty training?
~ What are cleaning and sanitizing policies
~ How much time is teacher directed?
~ Is the sick child policy strictly enforced?
~ Is there a safe place for outdoor play?
~ Are entrances/exits to classrooms safe?  Are safety gates used if needed?
~ Are medications stored out of reach of the children.
~ Look for other safety issues – plastic bags, outlets covered with protective covers, no trip hazards, etc.