This is a checklist that I used to have posted on my childcare website. In the interest of not reinventing the wheel I provide it for it’s thorough suggestion of questions a parent might wish to ask their childcare provider.
Checklist for Family Child Care Homes
- Jennifer McMillen, Corner Playhouse Child Care
The Caregiver
Does the Caregiver…
_____ have a current license from the Department of Human Services?
_____ seem to be someone that both my child I would enjoy?
_____ create an atmosphere where children feel loved and cared for?
_____ interact with children in a kind and gentle manner?
_____ listen to, talk and play with the children?
_____ have time to give each child special and personal attention?
_____ use age appropriate discipline techniques?
_____ participate in child development related training opportunities?
_____ have Infant/Child CPR training?
The Daily Schedule
Does the Schedule…
_____ allow time for children to play both quietly and actively?
_____ allow time for children to play both indoors and out?
_____ allow time for children to play both independently and cooperatively?
_____ allow time for planned activities such as singing, listening to stories, playing games, cooking and so on?
_____ limit TV time to an amount that I am comfortable with for my child?
The Environment
Do I See…
_____ a home that is safe, clean and comfortable?
_____ a special place for my child’s personal belongings?
_____ a home that looks fun and inviting to children?
_____ a selection of toys and equipment that are appropriate for the age of my child and that are in good condition?
_____ adequate space for children to play both indoors and out?
_____ a selection of toys and materials that interest and stimulate children?
_____ a menu, complete with meals and snacks, that is nutritious and includes food that children like to eat?
_____ appropriate and clean eating, diapering and napping areas?
Personal Feeling and Impressions
As a parent, am I comfortable with…
_____ the person who will be caring for my child?
_____ the other children in the home?
_____ the home atmosphere?
_____ the caregiver’s open door policy? (For example: Am I free to stop in and visit my child any time?)
_____ the caregiver’s contract or policies?
_____ the caregiver’s pets?
_____ the caregiver’s smoking preference?
_____ the daily routine my child will follow?
_____ the location and convenience of the caregiver’s home?
_____ the hours and days care is provided?
_____ the provider’s flexibility in meeting my family’s needs?
_____ the fees and payment schedules?
_____ the arrangement for when the caregiver is sick or on vacation?
_____ the arrangement for when my child is sick?
_____ the amount of time, if any, my child will spend being transported in the caregiver’s car?
*Thanks to Jennifer McMillen, Corner Playhouse Child Care for permission to publish this checklist. For more forms and info about her home child care centre (link now broken, but I cannot find a current site to refer back to presently) go to www.cornerplayhouse.com
**After reading this in its entirety, please adapt it to meet your personal needs
