Questions To Ask When Choosing Childcare
                            ABOUT THE FACILITY
1.   Is the license and registration posted?
2.   Is the facility safe, clean, secure, and free of health hazards?
3.   Is there adequate space for indoor and outdoor activities?
4.   Is there a place for your child to nap? A quiet place?
5.   Is there a place to temporarily isolate a sick child?
6.   Are meals and snacks served?
7.   Does each child have a place for personal belongings?
8.   What are the fees and other costs? Can you afford them?
9.   Are emergency numbers posted by the phone?
10.  Are electrical outlets covered?
11.  Are fire extinguishers and smoke detectors installed?
12.  Is there a NO SMOKING sign posted and observed?
13.  Are there pets? If so, where are they kept?
14.  Is there a First Aid Kit with adequate supplies and manual?
15.  Is caregiver First Aid and CpR certified?
16.  Do children wash hands before eating and after toileting?
17.  Is the provider willing to provide references?      
              ABOUT THE QUALITY OF CARE
  1.  Is the caregiver knowledgeable in child development?
  2.  Is sthe caregiver able to supervise all children?
  3.  Are the policies about nutrition, toileting, napping, and
     discipline compatible with your own?
  4.  Do the children receive individualized attention?
  5.  Does the caregiver relate to and converse with the children
       in an understanding way?
  6.  Is the caregiver patient and enjoy working with children?
  7.  How does the caregiver help your child adjust to transition
       into a new facility?
  8.  Are you allowed to visit the facility at any time?
  9.  Are your questions encouraged and answered adequately?
10.  Does the caregiver take time to talk with you about your child?
11.  Do you know what the caregiver expects from you?
12.  Are you comfortable with the caregiver? 
       ABOUT THE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
1.  Is there a variety of age-appropriate equipment?
2.  Is there a daily plan of activities?
3.  Do the activities challenge thinking, stimulate creativity, 
     and develop social skills?
4.  If there is a TV, how much time is spent watching it?
5.  What programs are viewed?
6.  Are the children treated with respect?
7.  Are the children encouraged to become independent?
8.  Are your family's cultural and religious values respected?
                                  PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1.  To thoroughly investigate your childcare options.
2.  To drop in frequently to monitor.
3.  To set times for arrival and pick up of your child and to keep the
     schedule.  If you will be late, call and make necessary arrangements.
4.  To provide phone numbers for home, work, doctor, and other
     family members or neighbor.
5.  To provide a list of names and phone numbers of other people you
     authorize to pick up your child.
6.  To provide instructions about medicines, special foods, special needs.
7.  To provide the supplies and/or equipment the caregiver requires you
     to supply.
8.  To encourage communication.
9.  To talk with your child about what happens at childcare and to listen.