Idaho CareLine: Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588

Example Questions to Ask Before You Choose Child Care

General Information

• How many children, including their own, will be the provider be caring for?
• Is the provider operating legally?
• Do hours, costs, and location fit your needs?
• Are there parent contracts?
• What are the vacation policies and schedules?
• Are parent references available?
• Does the program have liability and accident insurance?
• How long has the provider been providing child care?
• What is the staff turnover rate (how often do staff leave)?
• How are substitute providers selected and used?
• How many children are enrolled? What ages?
• What system is in place to ensure that only you or an individual you authorize may pick up your child?
• Are there written policies on discipline, health, fees?
• If the provider is ill, or an emergency arises, what will be expected of parents? What if your child becomes ill?
• Is there a trial period?

Program

• What is the program philosophy? Ask for examples which illustrate it.
• How does the program encourage the individual development of each child?
• How is the day structured? Are times scheduled for free play, structured activities, meals, quiet times, naps, and outdoor play?
• What types of activities are provided, both child-initiated and adult-initiated?
• What is the policy on TV watching?
• Are there field trips? How are the children transported? Are there adequate child restraint systems? Are drivers insured?
• Are nutritious meals and snacks provided? Are menu plans posted? How are special diets accommodated?
• Are meals and snacks, including infant feedings, offered in a way that encourages social interaction?
• Do the children seem happy, secure, stimulated?

Environment

• Is the indoor and outdoor environment safe and clean?
• Is there a suitable area for quiet activities and privacy? Louder and more active play?
• Are there toys, materials, and equipment?
• Are the toys and materials appropriate to the developmental levels of the children?
• Are there individual places for children's personal things like artwork?
• Is it a nonsmoking environment?
• Are children allowed choices with plenty of toys, equipment, and materials within their reach?

Infant Care

• Does each infant have an assigned crib that meets current safety standards?
• Is there room to safely explore, learn to crawl and walk?
• Is there limited use of playpens, cribs, walkers, or swings?
• Is there a sanitary diaper-changing area with handwashing facilities?
• Does the provider spend time holding, talking to, and playing with each baby?
• Will my infant have one special provider for most of the day?
• Are records kept on feeding, sleeping, and diapering?
• Will the provider cooperate with your decisions on infant's schedule?

Provider

• Is the provider 18-years-old or older?
• What type of child care training has the provider received?
• Does the provider seem healthy and energetic?
• Is the provider relaxed, patient, warm, and cheerful toward children?
• Does the provider talk with children and play on the floor with them?
• Does the provider touch and hold children in a way that conveys respect and appropriate affection?
• Does the provider listen closely to children and use positive language when talking with them?
• What are the expectation and rules for children's behavior?
• Does the provider use positive guidance and discipline? Ask and look for examples?
• Do you feel comfortable with this person and the way she or he interacts with you and the children?

Health and Safety

• Is the provider trained in first aid? CPR?
• What are the emergency procedures?
• Are guns kept in the house? Be sure they are always locked up and away from the children?
• Are emergency telephone numbers posted near the telephone? (Fire, Police, Poison Control, Ambulance, etc.?)
• Is indoor and outdoor equipment safe and well-maintained? For example, are there any sharp corners, broken parts, peeling paint, etc.?
• Are toys with small pieces kept safely our of reach, if infants and toddlers are cared for?
• Are toxic items stored safely out of reach? (Cleaning supplies, pain, medicines, cosmetics, poisonous plants, etc.)
• Are electrical outlets covered?
• Are sanitary guidelines for storage, preparation, and serving of food followed?

Parents

• Is there any open-door policy that welcomes your visits, participation, and input?
• How is communication encouraged between parents and the provider? (Daily conversations, newsletters, conferences, etc?)
• Does the provider respect your concerns as parents and your philosophy, values, and goals for your child?
• If your culture, language, or religion is different from the provider's, how will any differences be incorporated? Will there be any conflicts?
• What is expected of parents?
• What support systems are available for parents?
• Would your child fit into this particular program and group of children?