Thursday, February 21, 2008
Evaluating Child Care
The following points are good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center. Take a look at your child care facility as if through the eyes of a prospective parent... how do you rate?
CAREGIVERS/TEACHERS
SETTING
ACTIVITIES
IN GENERAL
The following points are good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center. Take a look at your child care facility as if through the eyes of a prospective parent... how do you rate?
CAREGIVERS/TEACHERS
- Do the caregivers/teachers seem to really like children?
- Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child's level to speak to the child?
- Are children greeted when they arrive?
- Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
- Are the caregivers/teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
- Are the caregivers/teachers involved in continuing education programs?
- Does the program keep up with children's changing interests?
- Will the caregivers/teachers always be ready to answer your questions?
- Will the caregivers/teachers tell you what your child is doing every day?
- Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
- Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?
- Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts about the best staff/child ratios for different age groups.)
- Are caregivers/teachers trained and experienced?
- Have they participated in early childhood development classes?
SETTING
- Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
- Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment?
- Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?
- Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play?
- Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
ACTIVITIES
- Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
- Are the activities right for each age group?
- Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children?
- Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children?
IN GENERAL
- Do you agree with the discipline practices?
- Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
- Are children comforted when needed?
- Is the program licensed or regulated?
- Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
- Will your child be happy there?
// posted by Tammy Wachter @ 5:11 PM 
