You are about to make an important choice.  One that is very important to your child’s future.  The time has come to enroll your child in an early learning center for your little one.  If this is your first time hiring a professional to care for and educate your child, you may not know where to begin.  Please find a list of helpful tips and questions below.  We also encourage you to check out this Dispatch article:  http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2015/06/12/Guide-to-Life-How-to-find-good-child-care.html

  • Drop in to see the center unannounced for a tour. This will give you an overall feel of how the day runs and what better way to do it when the center isn’t expecting guests.
  • Tour each room of the center. Get a feel for each member on staff.  Ask how long each staff member has worked with children, what age they have experience working with and how long they have been at this center.
  • Ask to see State Inspection Reports/Complaints
  • Verify that all staff have completed background checks
  • Ask where the cleaning supplies and dangerous materials that are not age appropriate are kept.
  • Do they have an open door policy?
  • Who can pick up your child from the center?
  • How are illnesses in the center communicated to parents?
  • What is their cleaning and sanitizing policy?
  • Ask about their medication policy
  • Ask the director or person in charge about their emergency procedures. Ask how often they are practiced.
  • Talk to the director or person in charge about their security. How do parents and guests access the inside of the building?  Are all outside doors locked during the day?  Are security cameras both inside and outside the building?
  • Are staff members trained in CPR and First Aid?
  • Verify that the center uses incident reports for ANY and ALL incidents. Do they call parents when an incident has occurred even if it isn’t an emergency?
  • What teachers will be in charge of your child’s care?
  • What is the child to teacher ratio?
  • How do the teachers determine that your child is on track and ready to transition to the next age group? Do they use an assessment tool?  Will groups of children be combined at the beginning and end of the day?
  • Does the center use daily sheets for written communication regarding your child’s day? How else do they communicate with parents (phone calls, parent/teacher conferences/newsletters/center events, etc.)?
  • Is there an open door policy and are parents encouraged to participate and be involved?
  • How often is a playground inspection done?
  • Do teachers go through annual training?
  • What is the discipline policy of the center?
  • Are meals provided? Is there a menu posted?  What is there policy on allergies?

Remember that the staff members are there for you and your family.  Keep communication open between yourself and the staff members.  Don’t feel afraid to ask questions.  Get to know your childcare provider.  They want to share and celebrate special moments with you.  They are there to guide you through your child’s early education and keep them safe.