How to Choose a Child Care Program

When selecting a day care program for a child, four key areas can help focus your thoughts. The Durham Child Care Council advises parents to find out as much as they can about People (providers); Program (activities/schedule); Place (facility or home); and Policies (procedures).

People/Providers

• How many children are there for each adult?
• What is the total group size?
• What is the background of the caregiver(s)?
• Do they have education/training in early childhood education/child development?
• How much experience do they have with young children?
• Is there a warm, loving relationship between the provider and the children?
• Do they seem to like each other?
• Does the provider give individual attention to and get involved with all the children?
• Is he/she friendly, calm and patient?
• Do the children seem happy?
• Does the provider talk with the children?
• Are children listened to and encouraged to express themselves?
• Are cultural differences welcomed and respected?
• How open will communication be between you and the facility or home?
• Will the caregiver answer your questions and tell you about your child's day?
• Will your ideas be welcomed?
• Can you get involved if you desire?
• Can parents drop in to visit without notice?

Program/Activities

• What type of program, in general, is offered?
• What is the philosophy of the program?
• What are the program's goals for children?
• Is there a posted, daily schedule that is flexible?
• Does the daily schedule include experiences you consider important?
• Is there balance of activities that are active/quiet; indoor/outdoor; group/individual; structured/free choice?
• Are the activities age appropriate and is there enough variety to stimulate the different ways that children grow: physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually?
• Are there routines and rules the children can understand and follow?
• Are there opportunities for the children to experience success and feel good about themselves?

Place (Facility or Home)

• If legally required, is there a posted, up-to-date license or registration certificate from the Division of Child Development?
• Is the facility or home bright, cheerful, colorful, and pleasant to a child's eye?
• Are all areas clean and well maintained, including play areas, nap areas, bathrooms, diaper changing area, and kitchen?
• Is it large enough, with spaces for indoor play, outdoor play, active play, quiet play, napping, and eating?
• Are infants and toddlers free to play on the floor, crawl, and toddle safely?
• Is there space for each child's personal items?
• Does the room arrangement and furniture size encourage children to explore independently?
• How safe and child-proof is the facility or home?
• Is the equipment in both indoor and outdoor areas safe, suitable, and in good repair?
• Are hazardous supplies locked away?
• Is there equipment suitable to assist with emergencies: first aid supplies, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency phone numbers, telephone?
• Are there enough toys, materials, and equipment and are they suited to the children's ages?
• Can the children reach the playthings and learning materials?

Policies and Procedures

• Is there a parent handbook, contract, and other written materials to tell you about rules, fees, hours, holidays and other closed days, discipline, meals, etc.?
• What is included in the fee (lunch, diapers, etc.)?
• Are there any additional fees (registration, field trips, etc.)?
• Is it within your budget?
• When are payments expected?
• Are fees continued during sick days, holidays, snow days, etc.?
• Is there a trial enrollment period?
• How much notice is required before withdrawing a child?
• Are there any refunds for unused time?
• What meals and snacks are served?
• Are they nutritious?
• Is a menu posted?
• Are there other services available, such as transportation, scholarships, parent education, or special needs assistance?
• What is the discipline policy?
• How are children encouraged to learn self control?
• What are the emergency procedures?
• What happens if a child becomes sick or injured while in care?
• Are sick children allowed to attend?
• What happens if the provider becomes sick or injured?
• Will the provider give you a tax ID number or social security number so you can claim the Child Care Tax Credit?