Selecting A Center

The following checklist is an educational tool we provide to parents and caregiviers to help them ask the right questions when looking for a childcare center. We have also included the same checklist in a PDF file at the bottom of the page that you may download and print.

Checklist

Interior
Do you get a good feeling when you enter the Center?	Yes	No
Is there a guest book for signing in?	Yes	No
Is there useful information displayed for families?	Yes	No
Were you greeted upon entering the facility?	Yes	No
Is the Center state licensed?	Yes	No

Kitchen
Are the meals prepared on site?	Yes	No
Are there menus for the month posted and/or available to take home?	Yes	No
Is breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack provided?	Yes	No

Classrooms
Are the classrooms inviting, attractive and appealing to children?	Yes	No
Are classroom activities age-appropriate?	Yes	No
Are decorations seasonal and/or related to a theme?	Yes	No
Are the teachers caring and responsive, interacting with the children?	Yes	No
Is the atmosphere happy and busy?	Yes	No
Is there a cubby area for children to store their coats and personal belongings?	Yes	No

Infant Room
Are the bottles labeled with the children’s names?	Yes	No
Are there enough cribs for all the infants?	Yes	No
Are there toys and activities for all stages of development?	Yes	No
Is the room clean?	Yes	No
Are the toys sanitized daily?	Yes	No
Are the meals, nap times and overall care personalized to you and your infant?	Yes	No

Wobbler and Toddler Room
Does the Center offer a toilet training program that involves parents?	Yes	No
Are the toys sanitized daily?	Yes	No
Are play and daily routines used as opportunities for nurturing and learning?	Yes	No
Do the toys and materials off interesting and challenging activities?	Yes	No

Preschool 1 and 2
Does the curriculum prepare your child for kindergarten?	Yes	No
Are the children read to at least twice a day?	Yes	No
Do the children receive one-on-one interaction with a teacher?	Yes	No
Are writing materials available to children?	Yes	No
Are a wide range of instructional methods used, such as small-group learning, whole-group learning and individual learning?	Yes	No

Health and Safety
Is there a safety plan in place, in the event of an emergency?	Yes	No
Are children adequately supervised?	Yes	No
What are the procedures for who is allowed to pick up a child?	Yes	No
Are all outdoor play areas fenced in?	Yes	No
Are there individual play yards for different ages?	Yes	No

Director and Assistant Director
Was the Director professional and well informed?	Yes	No
Was she knowledgeable and thorough during the tour?	Yes	No
Did she take the time to address your questions and comments?	Yes	No
Did you feel comfortable with her answers?	Yes	No

Staff
Are the Staff Members experienced with young children?	Yes	No
Are the Staff Members CRP/First Aide Certified?	Yes	No
Are the Staff members friendly and welcoming?	Yes	No

Miscellaneous
Is the Center open all year round?	Yes	No
Does the Center have a referral program where you can earn free tuition or discounts?	Yes	No
Is tuition due weekly, monthly or annually?	Yes	No
Will you receive a yearly tax receipt for income tax purposes?	Yes	No

Selecting A Center

Interior

Preschool 1 and 2