Choosing the Childcare Center Best for You

First Impressions

• Did you have a positive first experience? 
• If your child was with you on your tour, did your child feel comfortable? 
• Do you feel your child would enjoy their time at this center? 
• Do you feel your child would be safe while at this center? 
• Was the center and the classrooms clean and organized? 
• Did the overall environment of the center seem pleasing and welcoming? (Sights, smells, sounds)? 
• Did the Director take the time to meet with you themself? 
• Were you able to meet your child’s potential teacher? 
• Were you given a tour of your child’s potential classroom and other areas in the center?   
  

What will your child learn?

• Were you told about what your child will be learning while at the center? 
• Were the Lesson Plans posted outside the classroom? 
• Were the Lesson Plans age appropriate and child centered? 
• Did the children seem occupied and engaged? 
• Were the children involved in learning activities? 
• Was there child created art on display in or outside the classrooms? 
  

Daily Care

• Did the staff seem knowledgeable about how to best care for the children in their classroom? 
• Are their daily schedules posted and/or available for the classrooms? 
• Is the daily schedule age appropriate? 
• Is there outdoor time scheduled for each age group? 
• Are the toys and materials available to the children age appropriate? 
• Is the center respectful of the language, culture, and values of the families who attend? 
• Did the staff seem pleasant and welcoming? 
• Did the staff seem receptive and responsive to the children’s needs? 
• Are their daily procedures in place for cleaning and sanitizing toys, classroom furniture, and other classroom items? 
  

Staff

• What background checks are required of staff? 
• What are the minimum required qualifications for staff? 
• Are staff CPR/First Aide Trained 
• Are there MAT (Medication Administration Training) staff? 
• Are children supervised by staff at all times? 
• How do staff communicate with parents daily? 
• Is the Director available and open to talking to parents? 
  

Overall Center

• Is the center state licensed? 
• Have you looked at the center’s previous state inspections? 
• Is the center clean and organized? 
• Is there appropriate lighting throughout the building? 
• Is the overall building clean and well maintained? 
• Do the rooms and other spaces for children allow ample room for them to play? 
• Are the toys and other materials available to the children age appropriate? 
• Do the classrooms appear to have all the materials they would need to foster and promote learning and development? 
  

Outside

• Is there time for children to play outside in the daily schedules? 
• Are there age-appropriate playgrounds? 
• Are the areas available for outdoor play in good and safe working condition? 
• Are children supervised at all times during outdoor play? 
• Is the opportunity for shade available in the outdoor play areas? 
• Do the teachers play with and engage with their students while playing outside? 
• Is space available indoors for children to still exercise and participate in large motor and group games when weather does not permit outdoor play?