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.
Interior |
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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 |
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Kitchen |
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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 |
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Classrooms |
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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 |
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Infant Room |
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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 |
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Wobbler and Toddler Room |
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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 |
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Preschool 1 and 2 |
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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 |
Yes |
No |
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Health and Safety |
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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 |
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Director and Assistant Director |
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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 |
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Staff |
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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 |
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Miscellaneous |
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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 |