Choosing Your Provider

Does the setting:

• have a safe outdoor play area and equipment?
• have a safe, clear area where infants can play?
• provide enough space for napping and appropriate surfaces (cots, cribs, mats)?
• have locked storage for medications, cleaners, poisons, guns and ammunition?
• have working smoke detectors?
• have pets?  if so, are they vaccinated?
• have at least two approved exits from child care areas?
• have enough space inside and outdoors so all children can move freely and safely?
• have enough furniture, play toys and other equipment for all children to be individually involved?
• have equipment and materials that are suitable for the ages of the children?
• have a clean, safe place to change diapers?

Does the Provider:

• appear patient and friendly?
• encourage parents to observe, discuss policies, make suggestions and participate in the program?
• seem to be someone your child will enjoy being with?
• seem to enjoy his/her work?
• understand what children can and want to do at different stages of growth?
• have methods of dealing with behaviors that agree with your own and are constant with licensing standards?
• seem to have enough time to look after all the children in care?
• show an interest in your child, family and your expectations?
• appear organized, with a routine and rules that children can understand and follow?
• have previous experience/training in working with children?
• have other people who will be caring for your child?
• make arrangements when he/she has an emergency that takes them away from the children

Do activities include:

• creative experiences such as play acting, music, reading and art?
• transportation ( if needed) with appropriate seat belts and care seats?
• adequate supervision at all times when children are in care?
• time outdoors with supervision?
• toys and play equipment that are right for the child's age and state of development?
• washing hands after diapering, toileting and before preparing food?
• enough caregivers/teachers to give individual attention to all children?
• nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day?
• quiet and active play, indoors and outdoors?
• a schedule that meets young children's need for routine, but is flexible enough to meet the needs of each child?

Payments:

• What is the fee per hour/day/week/month?
• Are there late arrival fees or other fees I should be aware of?
• Is there a formal contract to sign?
• How much notice is required to end the contract?
• What are the arrangements if/when the provider is on vacation, ill, etc.?
• Does the provider charge me if my child is not there?