Basic Checklist

Basic Checklist

This checklist is designed to help you decide which child care arrangement most meets the needs of your family. It can also help you make sure your child's arrangement offers basic values you believe are important.

Arrange a visit to the center or home for the first time alone, but during regular business hours. This will allow you to take a close observation of the environment and ask all of your questions. If that visit goes well, take the children on your second visit to see how the caregiver interacts with them and to see if the children feel comfortable. We suggest that you drop in unexpectedly from time to time. This will give you a good idea of what is typical.

Read through the checklist. When you visit a home or center, use the list to help you make a decision.

Remember, these checklists are as complete as possible. Not everything will apply to your family's situation. The following list applies to all children, but the age sections will provide additional information per age group.

DOES YOUR CHILD'S CAREGIVER...

	Appear to be warm and friendly?
	Seem calm and gentle?
	Seem to have a sense of humor?
	Seem to be someone with whom you can develop a relaxed, sharing relationship?
	Seem to be someone your child will enjoy being with?
	Seem to enjoy their job?
	Set reasonable and consistent limits?
	Their attitudes and childrearing methods are similar to your own?
	Gives individual attention to each child?
	Understands the different stages of growth and development?
	Have the right materials and equipment to help children learn and grow mentally and physically?
	Patiently helps children solve their problems?
	Provides activities that encourage children to think things through?
	Encourage good health habits, such as washing hands before eating?
	Talks to the children and encourage them to express themselves through words and language?
	Encourages children to express themselves in creative ways?
	Have art and music supplies suited to the ages of all children in care?
	Activities to help your child to know, accept and feel good about him/herself?
	Help your child become independent in ways you approve?
	Help your child learn to get along with and to respect other people, no matter what their backgrounds are?
	Provide a routine and rules the children can understand and follow?
	Accept and respect your family's cultural values?
	Will take time to discuss your child with you regularly? When? How (written or verbally)?
	Have experience and training in working with children?

DOES THE CHILD CARE HOME OR CENTER HAVE...

	An up-to-date license or registration certificate, if one is required?
	A clean and comfortable look?
	Enough space indoors and out so all the children can move freely and safely?
	Enough caregivers to give individualized attention to all of the children in care?
	Places to store personal belongings?
	Places where children can be alone?
	Enough furniture, play things and other equipment for all the children in care?
	Appropriate games and activities?
	Equipment is safe and in good repair?
	Equipment and materials are suitable for the ages of the children in care?
	Enough room for cots or cribs so the children can take naps?
	Enough clean bathrooms for all the children in care?
	Safety caps on electrical outlets?
	A safe place to store medicines, household cleansers, poisons, matches, sharp instruments and other dangerous items?
	An alternate exit in case of fire?
	A safety plan posted to follow in emergencies?
	An outdoor play area that is safe, fenced in and free of litter?
	Enough heat, light and ventilation ?
	Provide nutritious meals and snacks provided according to USDA Nutrition Requirements?
	A separate place to care for sick children where they can be watched?
	A first aid kit?
	Inspected fire extinguishers?
	Working smoke detectors?
	Covered radiators and protected heaters?
	Strong screens or bars on windows above the first floor?

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES...

	To play quietly and actively, indoors and out?
	To play alone at times and with friends at other times?
	To play with many different toys and equipment enabling children to use their imaginations? (For example: books, musical instruments, costumes)
	To follow a schedule that meets young children's need for routine but flexible enough to meet the needs of each child?
	To use materials and equipment that helps children learn new physical skills and to control and exercise their muscles?
	To learn to get along, to share and to respect themselves and others?
	To learn about their own and others' cultures through art, music, books, songs, games and other activities?
	To speak both English and their family's native language?

Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC.
Labensohn, D. (1990). Parent checklist for day care (Pm-796h) (Choosing Care for Your Children series). Ames, IA: Iowa State University Extension.