When choosing a child care provider, it is important that parents spend time visiting potential providers. Try to visit at least three different child care arrangements in order to have some basis for comparison. It is important to be able to see the program in action, so be sure to schedule visits when the children are present.
In this, the second of two related UA Matters’ posts, representatives from The University of Alabama’s Child Development Resources, a part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, offer some key issues and questions to consider when visiting a program.
- Do the children in the program appear to be happy?
- Is the program play-based? Children learn best through the medium of play, so be sure that the activities are play-based and developmentally appropriate and not focused on strict academics at a young age.
- Pay attention to the manner of staff – are they friendly and comfortable in interactions, is the staff respectful toward you and your child? Does the staff seem to enjoy children and interact with them in a positive and knowledgeable manner? Be sure to inquire about staff credentials as well as staff turnover. Trained providers understand child development and developmentally appropriate activities. Consistency of staff is important in providing ongoing stability for young children, particularly for infants and toddlers. Staff-child ratios are a very important consideration, so be sure to ask about number of adults caring for children in the various age groups.
- Pay attention to health and safety issues – is equipment sturdy, are toys safe and in good repair, is adult supervision in place, do providers take appropriate precautions such as hand washing after diapering or toileting or wiping children’s noses? Is the playground well maintained with appropriate fencing and appropriate surfaces under climbing equipment?
- Pay attention to the learning environment – are activities appropriate for the child’s age, interest and ability? Are materials readily accessible? Do children have the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on activities? Are art projects creative and focused on the process, rather than a particular end product? Do you see safe and appropriate equipment and room arrangement that allows you to identify different activity areas, such a block play, reading area, home living or dramatic play area?
- Remember to check about appropriate licensing or accreditation. Typically, programs that are accredited meet higher quality standards, such as those accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC.