Ten Simple "First Visit" Measures for Quality Child Care

About the Director

1. Meet the Director and Assistant Director. Are they bright, alive, interested and friendly -- someone you would like to talk with and have your child around? Ask them about their qualifications and training. Great child care centers have great Directors!

About the Center

2. Is the center licensed? A licensed center is the minimum requirement for quality child care. May parents visit at any time? If not, think twice.

3. Does the Center look bright, clean, and well-kept, both inside and out? Look at the classrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms.

4. In your judgement, does the Center look safely and properly equipped inside and out? Walk around the playground.

5. Does the Center have a good "feel" as you walk through it? Would you choose it for yourself if you were enrolling yourself there?

6. Does the Center have a Parent Handbook and a separate Staff Handbook? Ask for copies of each.

7. Does the Center have a particular philosophy? If yes, find out what it is and see if you agree.

About the Staff and Program

8. The single most important factor in the quality of your child's care is ongoing staff training and supervision. Ask if staff are trained and supported in quality interactions with children on an ongoing basis. Does the staff discipline children gently and appropriately in a way that promotes rather than undermines a positive self-image?

9. Are there regular communications with parents through class and/or Center newsletter? Are parents and visitors welcome at any time?

10. Does the program at every age level include the following: a wide variety of planned learning opportunities in the classroom plus lots of supervised free play, no pressure on the children to learn or participate, lots of activities available (i.e. computer time, gymnastics, swimming, field trips, arts and crafts).

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