Child Care Center Checklist

What to look for when finding a child care center

When you are ready to decide on a child care facility, you will want to make sure that the center provides certain basic elements. By following these guidelines, you can be more assured about dropping your child off at daycare.

Make sure that the child care center is certified by the appropriate agencies. This information should be offered to you or may be advertised. Ask to see credentials and check the dates and the agencies that have issued the certification. Certification usually ensures that the care providers have undergone an extensive background check and, in some cases, that they have taken classes on caring for children.

Be certain that the center offers an appropriate and accredited curriculum for your child. If the child care center does offer such a program, your child will benefit from learning while she is making friends and playing during child care.

You will also want to make sure that the center offers a good child-teacher ratio. If there are too many children in a program, your child might not get the individual attention that she needs and deserves.

Make sure that the facilities are clean and safe. Toys and jungle gyms, books and surfaces should be wiped down nightly to curb the spread of germs. Check the kitchen and be sure that the facilities in the kitchen are clean and that dishes and utensils are kept sterilized. Meals and snacks should be healthy and regular.

Additionally, bathrooms should be held to high standards. There should be a nurse on the premises in case of any accidents or illnesses.

Once a facility has met the above standards, use your intuition to determine which place is the best child care center for your child.

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