You’ve researched child care programs online, gotten some recommendations from fellow parents and interviewed providers on the phone. Now that your list of potential child care providers is shorter, you should prepare to visit these programs.
Phone interviews offer a great chance to get acquainted with child care providers. But there is no replacement for in-person interactions. So once you’ve shortened your list of potential child care providers, it’s time to visit the programs.
Ask the program to schedule your visit during program hours. That will help you see firsthand whether the program could be a fit for you and your child.
There are three main things to be looking for when you visit a child care program:
- The providers
- The children
- The space
The Providers
- Can you talk easily with the provider and other staff? Are you comfortable with the person or the staff? Do you feel you can trust the provider? Can you talk easily with the provider and other staff?
- Are interactions between the teachers and children positive? Do the teachers listen and respond calmly? Do they get on the children’s level to interact?
- Does the provider seem to enjoy being with the children? Are they really listening and responding to them?
- How are challenging behaviors handled?
- How does the provider discipline the children? Be aware that Maryland, D.C. and Virginia all forbid corporal punishment.
- Does the provider use a calm voice? Do they speak to the children on their own level?
- Before you wrap up your visit, request a copy of the child care’s policies and procedures, which should include their positive guidance policy.
The Children
- Do the children appear happy? Are they engaged by the activities?
- Are the children given a chance to make choices? Are they able to “explore” on their own?
- Do the children seem to understand and follow the program’s rules and routines?
The Space
- Is the provider’s child care license or registration displayed? What about other certifications, such as, for Maryland providers, a Maryland EXCELS certificate?
- Do the children’s areas look clean and safe?
- Do the children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet?
- Are there a variety of books and toys? Are they suitable for the children’s ages? Are all toys and materials in good condition? Can the children reach them easily?
- Are cleaning supplies, sharp objects, medicines and other dangerous items put away out of the children’s reach?
- Is there enough space indoors and outdoors so all the children have room to play? Is the outdoor play area safe?
- Is there enough heat, light and ventilation?
- Are there fire extinguishers and smoke detectors? Carbon monoxide detectors?
If meals and snacks are provided by the program, are they nutritious? Are they the kinds of food you want your child to eat? Can dietary restrictions such as allergies be accommodated? - In general, does the program have a safe, healthy and happy “feel” to it? Is it a place where children can be children?
Individualizing Care
Even in a group of same-age children, each child is unique and has their own needs. When you visit programs, watch to see whether the providers are responsive to the various needs of the different children. Do they individualize their care for each child? You want to ensure that your child is going to be treated as the individual person they are at the program you choose.
It can be helpful to bring this list and/or your own list when you visit programs. Make sure you get answers, especially about the issues that are most important to you. If you feel like it would help, do not be shy about visiting a program more than once. You are gathering information to make an important decision. The ultimate questions you are trying to answer are these:
- Would your child feel happy and comfortable attending this program?
- Would you feel happy and comfortable leaving your child at this program?
