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Visit and look for ....
- Positive interactions between caregiver and children.
- Children getting lots of attention.
- Children who are happy and comfortable with their caregiver.
- Clean, safe, and healthy indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Safety features such as gates on stairs, caps on electrical outlets, and a locked cabinet for medicine, poisons and
cleaning products.
- A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks, and climbing equipment, that your child will
find interesting.
Ask the provider...
- Can I visit at any time?
- How do you handle discipline?
- What do you do if my child is sick?
- How do you handle an emergency?
- Do you have a back-up caregiver?
- Where do children take naps?
- Do caregivers have up-to-date CPR and First Aid training?
- Do caregivers have training in child care?
- May I see a copy of your license?
- Are you accredited?
- May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have used your care?
Provider
- Warm, nurturing, kind, patient
- Accepting and verbal
- Respectful of each child's cultural background
- Sensitive to each child's feelings and needs
- Laughs, talks and listens to the children
- Comforts an angry, sad or frightened child in a supportive way
- Reads, plays and sings with the children
- Has reasonable expectations for children
- Balances time between children and household tasks
- Training or experience with young children
Check References
Ask other parents...
- Was the caregiver reliable?
- How did the caregiver discipline your child?
- How did you get along with the caregiver?
- Was the caregiver respectful of your values and culture?
- Would you recommend the caregiver?
- If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you leave?
Make the Decision for Quality Care
Ask yourself, from what you have learned...
- Is there a balance of free play and routines?
- Can the caregiver meet the special needs of my child?
- Which caregiver should I choose so that my child will be happy and grow?
- Is the child care affordable?
- Do I feel good about my decision?
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