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Questions To Ask
Questions to Ask
About the Provider
Does the provider:
- Appear patient and friendly?
- Encourage parents to observe, discuss policies, make suggestions and participate in the program?
- Seem to be someone your child will enjoy being with?
- Seem to enjoy her work?
- Understand what children can and want to do at different stages of growth?
- Have methods of dealing with behaviors that agree with your own?
- Seem to have enough time to look after all the children in care?
- Show an interest in your child, family our expectations?
- Appear organized and provide a routine and rules that children can understand and follow?
- Have previous experience/training in working with children?
- Have other people who will be caring for your child?
- Make arrangements when she has an emergency that takes her away from the children?
About the Setting
Does the setting:
- Have a safe outdoor play area and equipment?
- Have a safe, clear area where infants can crawl?
- Provide enough space for napping and appropriate surfaces (e.g., cribs, cots, mats)?
- Have locked storage for medications, poisons, cleaners, guns, weapons and ammunition?
- Have working smoke detectors?
- Have pets? If so, are they vaccinated? Do they appear to be well cared for?
- Have at least two approved exits from child care areas?
- Have enough space indoors and out so all children can move freely and safely?
- Have enough furniture, play things and other equipment for all children to be individually involved?
- Have equipment and materials that are suitable for the ages of the children?
- Have a clean, safe place to change diapers?
About the Activities
Do activities include:
- Creative experiences such as dramatic play, music, reading and art activities?
- Transportation (if needed) with appropriate seat belts and car seats?
- Adequate supervision at all times children are in care?
- Toys and play equipment that are right for each child's age and stage of development?
- Washing hands after diapering, toileting and before preparing and eating food?
- Enough caregivers/teachers to give individual attention to all children?
- Nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day?
- Quiet and active play, indoors and outdoors?
- A schedule that meets young children's needs for routine, but is flexible enough to meet the needs of each child?
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I trust this person to care for my child?
- Will my child be comfortable and happy in this setting?
- Have I examined the policies and do they fit with my needs and the needs of my child?
- Does my child need to be transported?
- If the provider smokes, is that a problem for my child or me?
- How much television do I want my child to watch? What types of programs do I want him/her to watch?
- Has my child had a chance to visit the child care setting?
- Are references available?
- Have I contacted the Fresno Department of Social Services for reports on programs I have chosen?