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Choosing Child Care
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Child Care Checklist
Step 1: Gathering Information
To begin your search for a quality child care program you should first:
- Ask friends and coworkers for recommendations.
- Visit the NYS Day Care Facility Search for a list of providers near your home or work.
- Contact the New York State Office of Child and Family Services (716-847-3145) to ask for referrals.
Next, make a list of names and telephone numbers of programs that seem to be "good leads" – those that you want to inquire about, based on your initial screening.
Step 2: Telephone Interviews
In the interest of saving time, use telephone interviews to find out logistical information about each program on your list. Eliminating programs that don't meet your basic needs will help narrow your search. Use this checklist to compile information on each inquiry, and then to compare the results.
 What are the hours and days of operation?- What ages are accepted?
- How is the enrollment in relation to licensed capacity? Centers with low enrollment (less than 80% of capacity) may be a bad signal.
- Are there openings in my child's age group?
- What is the ratio of children to caregivers?
(4:1 infants; 5:1 toddlers; 7:1 3-year olds; 8:1 4-year olds; 10:1 school age)
- What are the qualifications of the staff members?
- How high is the caregiver turnover rate?
- What are the rates?
- Are there discounts for siblings?
- Are meals included in the tuition fees?
- Is there program information you can send me by mail?
- Is it okay to visit the site? Do I need an appointment?
Step 3: Initial Visits
Based on the information you gathered from the telephone interviews, plan to visit at least three locations. Plan this first visit without your child, so you can carefully observe and ask questions about the following:
- Is the site safe – doors locked from strangers, visitors identified before entering?
- Is at least one caregiver certified in CPR, first aid and MAT (medical administration training)?
- Is the center clean? Are there established policies for disinfecting and sanitizing equipment and toys?
- Are the rooms spacious, with organized learning centers and room for free play?
- Is the environment child centered – bright, colorful, decorated with children's artwork, materials at children's level, child-sized furniture?
- Are appropriate child to staff ratios maintained for each age group?
- Are the caregivers actively involved in the children's play?
- Do caregivers respond promptly to children's signs of distress?
- Is the staff comfortable with visitors, or do they seem nervous? Why?
- Do the children seem happy and busy?
- Do the children and staff interact comfortably?
- Is there an established curriculum? What is the daily routine?
- Are the children exposed to meaningful activities in art, science, music, pre-reading, and pre-writing? Are these activities suitable for the children's ages?
- Are activities planned that encourage physical activity?
- Do the children participate in whole group, small group and individual activities throughout the day?
- What is the discipline policy?
- Is there communication between parents and staff about daily happenings? Is there also frequent communication about children's development and progress?
- Are there clearly defined policies for tuition, attendance, and emergency procedures?
Step 4: Return Visits
When you've found a program that you like – it's conveniently located, affordable, and meets your preliminary standards for the quality of care – plan a return visit with your child. Plan to stay at least 30 minutes, and pay attention to interactions between your child, the staff, and the other children who are enrolled.
- Are you and your child made to feel welcome? Are you introduced to staff members? Is your child invited to participate?
- Are the children comfortable with their environment?
- Is the routine organized? Is it structured in a way that makes sense to the children?
- Are the children adequately supervised at all times?
- Did your child enjoy being there? Why?
Step 5: Making the Decision
Because you are entrusting someone with the care of your most precious treasure, it is expected that you will be "picky" when evaluating your child care choices. The following suggestions will guide you through the last stage in the decision making process.
- Review your checklists, making notes on the "feeling" you got when visiting each site.
- First impressions and instincts are important, so eliminate a program from your list if the atmosphere was uncomfortable, or is you are hesitant about the quality of care.
- If you still have some unanswered questions, make follow up calls to the program directors. Ask for names and telephone numbers of parents you can call as references – then call them!
When you have found a program that likely meets your family's needs, it's time to start the enrollment process. Clarify the answers to any questions about details of the enrollment agreement, then submit any necessary paperwork and the deposit required to reserve your child's space. Finally, speak positively about the new child care arrangement to your child – after all, you've worked hard to find the best possible care!
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