| Selecting quality childcare for your child is an | | | | by the National Association for the Education of |
| important task, but it does not need to be | | | | Young Children (NAEYC). This is a voluntary |
| overwhelming. Once you understand what qualities | | | | process where programs show they have met a |
| to look for in a quality daycare center, it will be | | | | higher standard of care determined by the |
| simple to make a confident and informed childcare | | | | NAEYC organization. |
| selection. | | | | Safety and Health: The environment should be |
| When evaluating daycare centers, note the | | | | clean and well ventilated. Toys should be cleaned |
| following: | | | | and in good working order. There should be |
| Environment | | | | specific policies regarding injuries, contacting |
| The physical environment of a quality daycare | | | | parents in case of emergencies, and medical |
| center is safe, clean, and uncluttered. When you | | | | intervention. The staff should be trained in CPR, |
| evaluate a daycare center, the atmosphere should | | | | and first aid should be on-site. Children should |
| be bright, colorful and inviting. The space should be | | | | never be left unattended. |
| designed with children in mind, so the furniture | | | | The Program/Curriculum |
| should be child sized and materials should be | | | | When you are evaluating a childcare program, find |
| accessible with displays at the child's eye level. | | | | out if the curriculum is varied according to age. |
| You also want to make sure that different areas | | | | For children aged three and under, quality |
| are designated for different uses. For example, | | | | programs should emphasize play activities that |
| messy areas should be near a sink and quiet | | | | enhance development rather than formal |
| areas should be away from building blocks. | | | | educational curricula. As children develop, they can |
| Staff | | | | then benefit from school readiness activities that |
| Interview and observe caregivers carefully. In | | | | combine elements of formal education with play |
| addition to a proper educational background, staff | | | | and free expression. All programs should include |
| should be able to interact one-on-one with children | | | | both small and large group activities, and a balance |
| in a warm and responsive way. The rate of staff | | | | between rest and activity. |
| turnover should be low and caregivers should be | | | | Family Involvement |
| consistent. Find out whether or not the staff | | | | Be sure to look for a daycare facility that |
| stays current through classes, workshops. Also, | | | | promotes a high level of family involvement. A |
| pay careful attention to the ratio of children to | | | | quality daycare program will encourage parents to |
| caregivers. Caregivers should be responsible for | | | | serve on the board of directors, to become |
| small groups of children. The recommended ratios | | | | involved as volunteers, and to have input into |
| for adults to children are: infants-1:3, toddlers-1:5, | | | | center policies. As well, a good center welcomes |
| preschool-1:8, and school age-1:12. | | | | visits from parents. Be leery of those programs |
| Licensing and Accreditation | | | | without an "open door" policy where you are |
| Find out if the center is in compliance with | | | | welcome to drop by and visit whenever you wish. |
| applicable laws or licensing regulations. Licensed | | | | A good program will inform you of your child's |
| programs have met the minimum standards for | | | | progress and daycare experiences on a regular |
| healthy and safe care. If you are in search of an | | | | basis. |
| exceptional program, find one that is accredited | | | | |