Child Care Issues to Consider

Selecting a child care provider is no doubt an important, and sometimes overwhelming, responsibility. As parents you want the best for your child and may be interviewing or exploring a variety of child care options. The following is a list of helpful questions or concerns that you may want to consider when selecting a child care provider.

  • Are children allowed to function on individual schedules?
  • Do parents receive daily written reports about their children’s day (and formal progress reports)?
  • What is the education level of the caregiver, and does he/she have any formal childcare and development training?
  • Are parents free to visit at any time during the day?
  • Does the caregiver adhere to state-regulated caregiver/child ratios?
  • Is the caregiver’s turnover rate for families under 20%?
  • Why do families leave?
  • When caregivers leave, how do staff/alternatives help children understand the transition?
  • How do caregivers respond to child-initiated interests?
  • How can parents get involved?
  • If you are nursing, is the caregiver responsive and accommodating?

Health & Safety Issues to Consider

  • Quality child care providers are ones that also make health and safety issues a top priority.
  • Are diapering, sleeping, food preparation and play areas separate?
  • Are there clearly written sanitation procedures specific to each area?
  • Are there instructions posted on proper diapering and food storage/preparation procedures?
  • Does staff receive training on health and safety issues?
  • Are infants’ and toddlers’ toys washed and disinfected regularly?
  • Is there a sick-child policy?
  • Do adults regularly conduct safety checks of all areas inside and out for potential safety hazards?
  • Does staff maintain children’s personal grooming standards (for example, hand washing)?
  • Are all infants put to sleep on their backs?
  • Is the staff equipped with appropriate first aid materials?
  • Do staff members know basic first aid techniques (for example, CPR)?
  • Does staff practice fire drills and evacuation procedures?
  • Is there a written policy in place for evacuation procedures?

Child Care Resources

Arizona Child Care Resource & Referral (ACCR&R)
Funded through the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security
Toll-free: 1-800-308-9000
Phoenix: 602-244-2678
Tucson: 520-325-5778
Yuma: 928-783-4003

Visit Website
National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA)
Funded through the Child Care Bureau U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
Visit Website
Child Care Aware
A non-profit program of NACCRRA

Toll-free: 1-800-424-2246

Visit Website

Request Appointment

If your child requires a SICK or a SAME DAY APPOINTMENT OF ANY KIND do not use our form. Call the office for SICK or SAME DAY appointments: (602) 866-0550.

Pediatrix at Black Canyon

  • 15650 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Ste.100
    Phoenix, AZ 85053
  • Fax: (602) 993-5788

Pediatrix at Happy Valley

  • 2030 W. Whispering Wind Dr.
    Phoenix, AZ 85085
  • Fax: (623) 869-9090