How to Choose Child Care

• Parents should be shown through the entire facility or home, and allowed to see the child care service in operation. This will also give parents a chance to see how their child responds to the new environment.
• Watch the children. Are they happy, playing, interacting with teachers, exploring materials or equipment?
• Watch the caregiver or teacher. Do they look directly at the children and use a normal tone of voice? Do they respond to each child?
• Visit the kitchen. Look at, or ask to see the menus. Meals should be well balanced and appealing to children. Do the children have regular snacks? What are they?

• how will holidays be handled, theirs and yours
• what supplies are parents responsible for (diapers, sunscreen, etc.)
• what is the cost and how often is payment to be made
• are receipts issued
• is payment required if the child is ill or on holidays
• how much notice is required before ending the agreement

• what is the ill child policy
• when is cleaning and housework done
• are there procedures for administering medications

• how long has this service been provided, and is it intended as long term
• ask to see credentials, license
• list of several references (check them)

• what is the child/caregiver ratio
• will additional adults or children be present during lunch, after school
• what rules and limits are set for the children
• how would a misbehaving child be dealt with
• does the caregiver have comprehensive liability insurance in case of an accident
• are emergency telephone numbers posted
• what are the emergency and fire procedures
• are there back up people in place in case the caregiver has an emergency

• what are the routines, programming
• are there TV viewing rules
• are the children taken outside daily
• what type of activities are available to the children
• is the outdoor play supervised

• a child-friendly environment
• a place for each child's personal belongings
• furniture arranged in play areas to allow for small areas for privacy
• an open space to sit comfortably to eat meals and snacks
• a fully equipped washroom (step stools etc.)
• toys and play materials placed where the child can make his own selections
• an area to nap or rest quietly
• a variety of age-appropriate toys and materials
• child-sized furniture and equipment
• accessible and safe outdoor play space
• a place where a child can be isolated and supervised if ill
• adequate light
• carpeted floor that provides a soft, comfortable area to play or sit, and reduces noise
• diapering area that is disinfected after each use

• children are supervised at all times
• no dangerous objects (broken bottles, toxic plants)
• no loose steps, railings, sharp corners
• outdoor playground or yard is securely fenced
• electric outlets are secured with safety plugs
• windows and screens have locks
• all equipment meets safety standards
• smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are present
• the bathroom door lock can be opened from the outside
• medicine cabinet that locks, and safe storage of cleaning supplies, tools and other hazardous materials
• the caregiver is certified in CPR and first aid
• a clean and safe environment
• all toys and equipment are sanitary and in a good state of repair
• current criminal reference checks available for anyone over 18 who is normally in the house
• covers over pipes and radiators