Daycare Checklist

When should I start looking?

I believe you should give yourself at least a month before you actually need to place your child in daycare. Depending on your circumstances you may want to have more time especially if you are looking for care for your infant. Family daycare providers are usually limited to the amount of infants they can have in their care so these slots tend to fill up quickly.

Search our listings and contact as many providers as possilbe that meet your needs. Such as:

• Hours and days provider is open. Be sure to allow yourself sufficient time to get to work and pick up before the daycare closes when deciding what hours you need care for. Providers have busy lives and have set times they are open and closed. Many have policies if you are late picking up your child.
• Is the daycare conveniently located? Decide whether you would like a provider close to home or work.

Call providers to schedule a visit.

Things to consider and look for when you visit a daycare provider:

What to Look for in a Provider The provider appears warm and friendly. Treats children with respect, flexibility, and patience. Is able to meet your child's developmental and emotional needs. Gives children individual attention. The caregiver sets reasonable and consistent limits. Provider supplies you with a handbook that covers a variety of issues such as: hours of operation, vacations, holidays, payment, fees, discipline policies, sick policies, etc. Also, before you start childcare your provider should have a contract that clearly states the agreed to terms of the childcare services.

What to look for in the Daycare Environment Bright, cheerful setting. Children appear happy, comfortable, and relaxed. Safe, clean indoor and outdoor areas with adequate space. Toys and equipment are safe and age appropriate. Various open ended play materials such as puzzles, blocks, dress up props. Toys are within children's reach, well organized, and easy for children to clean up. Sanitary bathrooms and clean kitchen area. Hand washing after toileting and before meals and snacks. Separate cribs for infants and separate cots/mats for others. Cleaning materials, medicines, and sharp utensils out of reach of children.

What to look for in a Program: Daily routine that is consistent but flexible and provides a variety of activities, and indoor/outdoor times. Activities that are open ended, child directed. Children have the opportunity to experiment with various art materials such as paint, crayons, paper, playdough, scissors, and pencils. Healthy snacks and/or meals. Supervised rest time. Minimal, supervised TV if any.

A Few Important Childcare Regulations: A copy of the following should be posted in the daycare providers home: A license or registration certificate from your states family childcare licensing agency. CPR and First Aid Certificate Emergency phone numbers & evacuation plan Provider should not exceed number of children licensed for. Safety: outlet covers, gates to block stairways, smoke detectors installed and in proper working condition on each level where children play. First aid kit on hand. These are just a few important regulations that are a common rule for many state licensing agencies. Each state has its own licensing regulations so be sure to contact your local state licensing agency for a list of regulations. Locate your local agency by going to the following website http://nccic.org/statedata/dirs/statehp.html

Question list to bring to your visit:

Click here for a list of questions to ask the provider during your visit.