Child Care Choices
Quality Indicators Count
Finding the child care provider that works best for your family is a challenge. It takes asking many questions, with the most important question being, "Will my child receive loving and careful attention?"
Research confirms that brain development during the first five years of life sets the stage for how children will think, learn and behave forever.
Caregivers
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Do the caregivers seem to really like children?
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Are the caregivers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
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Are the children greeted when they arrive?
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Are the children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
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Are caregivers involved in continuing education programs?
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Well the caregivers tell you what your child is doing every day?
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Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
Setting
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Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
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Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of equipment?
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Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play?
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Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
Activities
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Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time, and nap time?
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Are the activities appropriate for each age group?
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Are toys clean, safe and within reach of children?
In General
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Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
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Are children comforted when needed?
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Is the program licensed?
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Will your child be happy there?