Does the program have an appropriate number of adults looking after each group of children? This is known as the child-to-adult ratio. Recommended ratios are usually lower for younger children. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that child care centers have no more than 3 infants under 12 months old per adult.
Does the director of a child care center have a college degree in child development or a related field? Do teachers or the owner and operator of a family child care home have a credential or college degree in early childhood education or a related field? Do all adults in the program receive ongoing training in working with children and child development? Is there a planned schedule for each day or week that encourages learning and includes active and quiet play, group and individual learning activities, rest time and meal times?
Is the environment safe, clean, and well maintained? For example, are safe cribs provided for each infant, and does the program follow safe sleep guidelines?
Are electrical outlets covered? Are medicines and dangerous items, including cleaning supplies, kept out of the reach of children? Is there a written discipline policy that explains how behavioral concerns are handled?
Do discipline techniques included in the policy teach and guide children rather than punish them? For example, does the policy make it clear that there will be no spanking, humiliating, or excluding children? How does the program make sure that techniques are used in ways that are clear, consistent, and fair? Do the adults seem to enjoy working with and caring for the children? Are they actively involved with the children and do they pay attention to the needs of each child?
Have all adults working in the program had state and national background checks, including fingerprinting? Learn more about background checks for child care providers.
Have the adults in the program been trained on how to prevent child abuse and how to recognize and report the signs of abuse? Is there someone present at all times who has been trained in pediatric first aid and CPR? Do staff know how to respond to an allergic reaction? Is there a first aid kit available? Are the adults in the program trained in how to prevent injuries? Learn more about important health and safety trainings for adults working in child care programs.
Is there a written plan for responding to emergencies and disasters such as fire or flooding? Does the program conduct regular fire drills? These five basic questions will help you determine whether potential programs will work for your family. Does the program provide transportation that could help you get your child to and from the program or to and from school? Learn more about programs to help your family afford care. Does the program offer any discounts or scholarships, or participate in a child care assistance program?
In addition to the 15 must-haves and the 5 essential questions for your family above, during your visit look for and ask about these topics. Considering these additional questions will help you find a place where you feel comfortable leaving your child. The questions in this section are about steps a program should take to keep your child safe. Questions to ask about how well the child care program is managed. How a program is managed has a large impact on your family and your child.
Your child is always learning, and the child care program you choose must take important steps to encourage that learning. What you should see and think about when watching how the staff interact with you and with your child. Children learn best when supported by a caring adult. When you are not there, how will the program interact with your child?
How will that program interact with you to make sure you can get to work with peace of mind? What to look for if your child is an infant. Infants require special care, and the adults caring for them should be trained in how to meet those needs.
Things to look for if you have an infant or child with a disability. A high-quality child care program knows how to meet the needs of each individual child and family.
Click here to download a printable version of all the topics and questions. Look for evidence of a high-quality child care program by asking these questions and watching for the following when you visit a potential child care program. Are children cared for in small groups with an appropriate number of adults present at all times? Learn more about how group size affects your child and why smaller groups are better for your child. Look no further. Our 20 Questions About Mom sheet is sure to get the laughs rolling!
These questionnaires are one of my favorite things to do with my kids. Some of the answers to the questions can be out of this world funny. Ahh to see the world in the eyes of a little kiddo! This questionnaire consists of 20 questions for your child to answer about Mom. Expect hilarious but heartwarming answers! This is a simple and easy 1-page printout. Print multiples if you have multiple children and start asking away! And also great for Grandparents to fill out to ask their Grandkids about their Mom.
Have a blast with this one, I know I did! This size and format makes it easy to print on any printer! Below is what will be included in your download see the bottom of the page for actual download instructions :. Amazon has always been my go-to for most of my office and craft supplies. If you print a lot of printables and spend time coloring, gluing and adding some extra jazz to them, our list of supplies can help! Printables from mrsmerry. Thanks and have a very merry day!
This page may contain Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for your continued support! An impossible dream. I am really greatful for the friends that make our lives so much more meaningful.
Your email address is kept private. Our editor needs it in case we have a question about your comment. Our weekly email is chockful of interesting and relevant insights into Jewish history, food, philosophy, current events, holidays and more. Sign up now. Impress your friends with how much you know. We will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe in a single click.
Get Our Emails. Current Issues. Judaism and Suicide. The Meaning of 7 Common Jewish Words. Torah Portion. Tu B'Shvat. Grow Like the Trees. Kabbalistic Tu B'shvat Seder. Do we have enough unscripted time together? What am I going to buy today? What is my legacy? What are you grateful for?
Please donate at: aish. Share this article. Display my name?
0コメント