4 Steps to Choosing Quality Child Care

A Parents Check List

Checklist developed jointly by the Michigan 4C Association and the State Family of Michigan Independence Agency

1. Interview caregivers
   
   Call First and ask...
   • What hours and days are you open?
   • Where are you located?
   • Is there an opening for my child?
   • How much do you charge? When is payment due?
   • Do you charge for holidays, absences due to vacations or illness, or late pickups?
   • How many children do you care for?
   • How much child care experience and education do you have?
   • How many adults care for the children?
   • How many ages do you serve?
   • Must a child be toilet trained?

   in a home setting....

   • Are there others living in the home? Who and what ages are they?
   • Who, besides the provider, may be caring for my child?
   • Will my child be taken out of the home while in your care?
   • Are there pets or smoking in the home?

   Visit and look for ...

   • Positive reactions between caregivers and children.
   • Children getting lots of attention.
   • Clean, safe, and healthy indoor and outdoor spaces.
   • Safety features such as gates on stairs, caps on electrical outlets, and a locked cabinet for medicine, poisons and cleaning products.
   • A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks, and climbing equipment, that your child will find interesting.

   Ask the provider...

   • Can I visit at any time?
   • How do you handle discipline?
   • What do you do if my child is sick?
   • How do you handle an emergency?
   • Do you have a back-up caregiver?
   • Where do children take naps?
   • Do caregivers have up-to-date CPR and First Aid training?
   • Do caregivers have training in childcare?
   • May I see a copy of your license?
   • May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have used your care?

2. Check References
   
   Ask other parents…
   • Was the caregiver reliable?
   • How did the caregiver discipline your child?
   • Did your child enjoy child care?
   • Was the caregiver respectful of your values and cultures?
   • Would you recommend the caregiver?
   • If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you leave?

3. Make the decision for Quality
   
   Ask yourself, from what you have learned….
   
   • Is there a balance of free play and routines?
   • Can the caregiver meet the special needs of my child?
   • Which caregiver should I choose so that my child will be happy and grow?
   • Is the child care affordable?
   • Do I feel good about my decision?
   
4. Stay Involved
   
   Ask yourself…..

• How can I work my schedule so that I can ………
  • Talk to my caregiver?
  • Talk to my child about how the day went?
  • Visit my child in care?
  • Work with my caregiver to discuss problems that arise?
  • Help my child grow?
  • Meet with other parents