Bring this checklist with you when you visit prospective childcare centers
to assist you in making the best selection for you and your child. Be
sure to visit at least three locations. Use the following criteria to
evaluate each location you visit. Mark your comments or place a check
mark next to the items that you see or are informed about during your
visit. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Once you decide that you need
care, it is best to begin looking!
| Licensing: |
Location
#1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Department
of Public Welfare
|
|
|
|
| Department
of Education |
|
|
|
| Program: |
Location
# 1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Daily posted
schedule |
|
|
|
| Written developmental
curriculum |
|
|
|
| Variety of
activities |
|
|
|
| Balance of
play & learning time |
|
|
|
| Balance of
group & individual activities |
|
|
|
| Daily outdoor
activity |
|
|
|
| Opportunity
for napping
|
|
|
|
| Safety: |
Location
# 1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Posted evacuation
plan |
|
|
|
| Regular fire
drills
|
|
|
|
|
Covered electrical
outlets |
|
|
|
| Smoke detectors/fire
extinguishers |
|
|
|
| Monitored
entrance |
|
|
|
| Accessible
emergency information |
|
|
|
| Policy on whom
child may be released to |
|
|
|
| Policies: |
Location
#1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Provide written
policies |
|
|
|
| Open door/visitation |
|
|
|
| Fees/payments |
|
|
|
| Incidents/discipline |
|
|
|
| Staff: |
Location
#1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Interact positively
with children |
|
|
|
| Create a warm,
secure environment |
|
|
|
| Appear happy
& confident
|
|
|
|
| Have appropriate
training/experience |
|
|
|
| Are respectful
of the children
|
|
|
|
| Are respected
by the children
|
|
|
|
| Greet &
are comfortable with parents |
|
|
|
| Environment: |
Location
#1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Happy children
|
|
|
|
| Clean & well
maintained |
|
|
|
| Fenced outdoor
play area |
|
|
|
| Age-appropriate
supplies & equipment
|
|
|
|
| Health: |
Location
#1 |
Location
#2 |
Location
#3 |
| Frequent
handwashing |
|
|
|
| Illness &
medication policy |
|
|
|
| Required
immunizations/health evaluations |
|
|
|
| Nutritious
snacks |
|
|
|
| First-aid/CPR
trained staff |
|
|
|
| First-aid kits
|
|
|
|
| Location
#1 |
| Center
Name Center
Telephone
Director's Name
Operating Hours
|
| Location
#2 |
| Center
Name Center
Telephone
Director's Name
Operating Hours
|
| Location
#3 |
| Center
Name Center
Telephone
Director's Name
Operating Hours
|
