- Consultations. Besides knowing when and how to call you, is there a qualified health professional, such as a doctor or nurse, who serves as a consultant for the childcare program?
- Visiting policy. Are you welcome to visit during normal operating hours—before and after enrolling your child? Parents should be welcome to make unannounced visits.
- The Facility. When you tour the setting, besides noting the physical environment (is it cheerful, clean, safe, well ventilated, free of secondhand tobacco smoke?), assess if the caregivers seem to enjoy caring for the children, and in turn, if the kids seem comfortable and happy. Are the toys safe and hygienic? Are playgrounds secure and “children-friendly?” (i.e. soft, pliable flooring, equipment with minimal threat re: height and structure).
- Adequate Staffing. Are there enough trained/certified adults available to children on regular, as well as coverage (for illness, vacations, etc.) bases? Child-staff ratios should be 3:1 for birth-twelve months, increasing by approximately one child per every one year to 12:1 for nine-to-twelve year olds. Are there written policies and a posted daily schedule?
Is this the “right” person?
By far the most important issue is to select the right person who will be directly involved with and responsible for the well-being of your child. Whatever type of care you may choose, the relationship between you and your child’s caregiver will be an important part of your life. As part of your “interview,” spend time with the caregiver and child so that you can learn about each other and see how she/he and your child interact. Get a feeling about the personality of your caregiver. You want good things to “rub off” on your highly impressionable child. It is important to check your caregiver’s (and all staff involved) background, and speak to a few references (including parents who presently have their kids enrolled). The caretaker’s training should include:
- Child development and early education
- Understanding why and how to use positive, effective discipline
- Recognizing signs of illness and injury
- Cleanliness (e.g. hand washing, many times!) and safety standards to prevent illness and injury
