Care & Education

Choosing a High-Quality Child Care Program

Choosing child care is truly one of the most important decisions parents will ever make.  Child development experts confirm that high-quality care in the formative years is instrumental in building positive relationships, self-concepts, and attributes toward learning that will last a lifetime.  Your child deserves nothing less than the best.

What are the Signs of Quality?

In the Physical Space

• Does the program have effective security features?
• Does the Program meet and exceed health and safety regulations?
• Does the environment appeal to your senses? Sight, sound, smell?
• Is the environment comfortable, warm, and inviting?
• Are the classrooms fun, well-equipped, child sized, age appropriate?
• Are the indoor and outdoor areas designed for optimum growth and development?

In the Relationships Between Teacher, Children, and Families

• Are all of the teachers experienced and educated in early childhood?
• Are all of the teachers certified in pediatric first aid and CPR?
• Do the class sizes and teacher-to-child ratios support individual attention?
• Are the teachers affectionate, responsive, and sensitive to the children?
• Does the program support communication between families and teachers?
• Does the program provide consistency and continuity of care?

In the Programming

• How is the program regulated? What are the results of the last inspection?
• Is the program nationally accredited?
• Is the curriculum well balanced and developmentally appropriate?
• Are well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks prepared on site?

Overall

• What is the reputation of the program within the community?
• Do you feel that you and your child would be valued and cared for?