It is important that parents know what they should expect
from a childcare provider. In addition, parents
should know what kinds of questions to ask before
choosing a prospective childcare provider. We have developed the following Quality
Checklist to help parents in need of childcare.
This Quality Checklist measures a childcare service
in 4 categories: programs, staff, health & safety,
and staff/parent communication.
PROGRAM
Yes
No
1. Does
the curriculum meet national standards
for quality as defined by the National
Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC)?
2. Is
there a goal to become accredited?
3. Are
language and literacy skills development
part of the daily program?
4. Are
activities balanced between vigorous
outdoor play and quiet indoor play?
5. Are
self-help skills such as dressing,
toilet training, resting, washing and
eating encouraged as children are ready?
6. Is
there a positive method of discipline
through education versus punishment?
7. Are
children given opportunities to select
activities of interest to them?
8. Are
field trips and enrichment activities
part of the program?
STAFF
9. Do the
teachers interact positively with the
children?
10. Are
teachers educated and experienced in
early childhood education?
11. Are
teachers required to have training and
certification in CPR and first aid?
12. Do the
teachers receive an annual performance
evaluation?
13. Is
there a positive method of discipline
through education versus punishment?
14. Does
the staff meet regularly to plan and
evaluate the curriculum?
HEALTH & SAFETY
15. Are
nutritious foods and beverages provided
throughout the day?
16. Are
health guidelines and emergency phone
numbers posted clearly?
17. Are
health care policies in place, including
hand washing before and after changing
diapers, blowing noses and preparing
food?
18. Is the
center clean?
19. Are
emergency procedures and evacuation
routes established and practiced
regularly?
20. Are
security policies and procedures
implemented, monitored and evaluated
regularly?
21. Is
there adequate adult supervision for
each age group and activity?
22. Is at
least one staff member trained in first
aid?
23. Does
each child have an individual cot, mat
or crib?
STAFF/PARENT COMMUNICATION
24. Are
visits by parents encouraged?
25. Are
records used to help parents and staff
better understand the child, including
daily written reports and incident
reports?
26. Are
there opportunities for informal and
formal discussions about the child?
27. Do
parents have access to child care
resources through the center including
information on child development and
parenting?
28. Are
parent ideas welcomed? Are there ways
for parents to be involved?
It is important that parents know what they should expect
from a childcare provider. In addition, parents
should know what kinds of questions to ask before
choosing a prospective childcare provider. We have developed the following Quality
Checklist to help parents in need of childcare.