Print this list and take it with you when you visit a child care home or center
 
Name of Program  ________________________________________

Hours of Operation  _______________________________________

Group Size/Age Range  ____________________________________

Basic Information

• The program is licensed
• The building is safe, clean and well maintained
• The setting is bright and cheerful
• The children seem happy

Physical Space and Safety

• Enough space indoors so children can move freely, with areas for active play and quiet play
• Outdoor space, safely enclosed and easily supervised, where children can run and play
• An alternative exit in case of file
• A fire alarm system, enough smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• A safety plan so the children can be removed from the center quickly
• Window guards, gates of stairs, covers on radiators, safety caps on electrical outlets
• Cleaning supplies and hazardous items are safely stored
• A clean safe place is set up for changing diapers
• A space can be made dark and quiet whenever a child needs to nap
• Cribs have firm mattresses with heavy plastic covers
• The temperature is comfortable, the air circulation is good and it is kept free of cigarette smoke

Parent Involvement

• Staff seems interested in speaking with parents when they drop off and pick up their children
• Regular parent/teacher conferences and parent meetings
• Parents are welcome to visit the home/center at any time

The Staff

• The director is accessible and responsive
• Enough adults to give the children individual attention
• The staff talks with the children as they play, diaper and feed them
• Adults seem to enjoy holding and cuddling the children
• Staff members are alert to the need for cleanliness and hand-washing
• Adults get children to do thing by encouragement, suggestions or offering choices rather than by reprimand of commands
• Discipline is handled sensitively and appropriately
• Children are allowed to express their feelings
• Staff member are responsive when a child needs comforting

The Program

• Daily activities are varied, well-balanced (active and quiet) and geared to short attention spans
• There are enough play materials in easy access so the children can keep busy and involved
• Girls and boys are equally encouraged to participate in the various activities
• The play materials help develop motor skills and the sense of touch, sight and hearing:

Manipulative toys

• Soft toys
• Building blocks
• Art materials
• Musical toysPicture books
• Riding toys
• Climbing equipment

Source: Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Network.  http://www.childcarenet.org/families/your-search/a-checklist