• Do the children look happy, interested, playful, busy?


• Do the caregivers seem happy, friendly, warm?


• When a child is upset, does a caregiver comfort the child?


• When a child misbehaves, does a caregiver correct that child without harshness, shaming, or physical pain?


• Do caregivers direct the children by showing or telling patiently, or do they use a harsh voice or threats?


• Does the center have a policy of "primary caregiving" (one or two main caregivers for each child, encouraging a close relationship)?


• How long does the average caregiver stay employed at this center (that is, what is the turnover rate)? This is a good index of caregiver contentment and of the center's ability to provide a stable caregiver relationship for your child.

• What is the caregiver-to-child ratio for the group your child would be in? The younger the child, the lower this ratio should be (see Choosing a Child-Care Site).


• Are there at least two adults for each group of children?


• How many children are in the same room or space? (Typically, for infants, a small room is best, with perhaps three to six infants at most; older children can be in somewhat larger groups).


• Do caregivers work in the same room every day (promoting ongoing relationships with the children), or do they rotate from room to room?

• Is the space big enough, well-lit, airy, comfortable?


• For infants, is there a separate quiet room for napping?


• For toddlers and preschoolers, are there plenty of toys?


• Is there room for different activities: active play, make-believe (dress-up, playing house), building with blocks, art activities?


• Are there children's books, and do caregivers use them often?


• Is there an outside play space? If so, is it safe? (For example, are there padded surfaces under any climbing or swinging structures?)

• Are exits well marked?


• Are smoke alarms and fire extinguishers visible?


• Is the door locked or monitored so that access to the children is controlled?


• Are the rooms childproofed (no uncovered outlets, hanging cords from blinds or curtains, poisons or medications in accessible cabinets, small objects that could be choking hazards in infant and toddler rooms)?


• Are the toys in good condition, without broken pieces or pieces that could fall off and be a choking hazard?

• Is there a separate diapering area, with supplies for cleaning and disinfecting right there?


• Do providers wash immediately after diapering?


• Is the diapering area separate from the food preparation area?


• Do staff and children wash hands before eating?


• Is there a written health policy? (There should be, and you should read it.)


• Is there a first-aid kit, and are staff trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver (for choking)?

• Are you welcome to visit at any time and stay as long as you want? Did the director specifically make this invitation?


• Do the providers take time to talk with the parents at drop-off and again at pick-up time, to share information about the children?


• Does the center's director make time to talk with parents about their children and answer specific questions?


• Does the director express an interest in your family's customs, traditions, and values? (This would be a good sign of willingness to respect and foster your family's culture.)

• Is the director trained in child development or education? Are the providers?


• Is the center licensed by the state?


• Is it accredited, and if so, by whom?

• Was the director happy to give you names of parents who had used the center?


• Did you talk with at least three of these references, and were those conversations reassuring?

• Newborn and Infant Child Care


• Toddler and Preschool Daycare

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