Child Care Issues

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?

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