Child Care: Questions Every Parent Needs To Ask

By Author: Amanda Bernard
Total Articles: 17
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We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of questions to guide you when considering a child care center. Don’t be afraid to assertively ask these questions, as any qualified child care service will be happy to provide you with the answers.

Child Care Center Questions: Staff

Do child care staff communicate daily with parents about their child’s progress?
Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual attention?
Do child care staff read to children?
Do staff seem patient and receptive to children’s needs?
Are staff respectful of children and parents?
Do staff encourage sharing, manners and other good behaviors?
Do child care staff appear lively, enthused and engaged in a positive manner with children?
Do staff involve children in daily learning activities?
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?

Child Care Center Questions: Safety

Does the child care center appear orderly and clean?
...
... Are there age-appropriate toys in the classrooms?
Are all hazardous materials, such as cleaning supplies, locked away?
Is there an emergency plan, and is it posted?
Are there security measures in place?
Are there policies for sick children and other such circumstances?

Child Care Center Questions: Children

Do the children have a routine that they can understand and follow?
Do the children seem occupied and engaged?
Are the children involved in activities that promote learning?
Is there a child care center policy on discipline?
Do the children at the center seem happy?

Child Care Center Questions: Feelings

Is your initial reaction to the child care center positive?
Is this a place my child would enjoy?
Would my child be safe in this center?
Would I feel comfortable using this child care service?
Would my child learn new things every day at this program?