Questions to Ask:
Are you licensed? (Get the license number; you can check
it to see if there have been any complaints. We'll show you how.)
What is the daily schedule? (You want to see a balance of active
and quiet activities.)
Is this provider open during the hours you need child care?
Do you have any pets? Where are the pets during child care?
What is the group size and how old are the children?
Do you transport the children at any time?
What is your discipline policy? (Spanking is not allowed.)
What will I need to provide? (i.e., diapers, wipes, formula,
change of clothes?)
Is food provided, or do I need to bring it?
May I have a list of references? (Be sure to check all of them!)
How much do you charge? (Are the fees affordable?)
What is your sick child policy?
Do you charge for absences? (Most providers charge a flat
weekly rate. Even if you miss a day, they are having to hold
that spot open for your child.)
What is your procedure for handling accidents? What are
your safety precautions?
What are your plans for times you are sick or on vacation?
Who stays with the children if you have an emergency???
Do you have any child care education or training?
(They are required to attend 10-12 hours of training in child
development per year, in addition to CPR every year and
First Aid every 3 years.)
Who else will be in contact with the children? (Be sure
to meet them!)
How often do the children watch TV or movies?
(Licensing rules limit them to 2 hrs. per day.)
Where do the children play?
(Be sure there are safe play areas indoors and outdoors.
Ask to be shown every room where children will play.)
How long have your staff worked for you?
(Look for staff who have been there awhile--little staff
turnover....)
Let's face it, choosing someone to take care of your child can be one of the scariest tasks on earth. How do you know your child will be safe? How can you trust a stranger to take care of your child? Will your child feel loved? Will your child love the provider more than you?
These questions are common among parents looking for child care, whether it's your first child or you're an old pro at this. Even if you have someone you think is a good provider, are you always wondering, "Did I make the right choice?"
At Great Start Regional Resource Center we've compiled a list of questions you should ask, and some things you should look for when you visit.
Your first step is to visit www.greatstartforkids.org to get a list of licensed child care providers near you. All the providers in the States database are either licensed or registered with the State of Michigan. That doesn't guarantee quality, but it is an important first step.
Once you get a list, you'll want to call and talk to each of the providers. Get to know them a little bit over the phone, but then you'll want to go visit their homes/centers and see for yourself if this is a place you'd like your child to be.
What to Look for:
Staff are friendly and cooperative, supportive, responsive
Children are treated with respect
Children are comforted when needed
Children's physical needs are met (Are children running around with dirty faces, soiled diapers, etc.? Are they hungry and crying?)
Children are allowed to express their feelings
Children are given individual attention
Children seem happy
Children can get things for themselves
The program allows children to be creative and make choices
The discipline used is acceptable to you and appropriate for your child's guidance (again, spanking is not allowed)
There is good interaction between providers and children--they like each other
The environment is cheerful, neat and orderly
Toys and equipment are clean and in good repair
Toys, equipment, and activities are appropriate for the age of your child and there are enough toys for everyone
Adequate space is available for quiet and active play
If meals and snacks are served, they are nutritious and age-appropriate
You and your child feel welcome
Your child's personality would seem to fit with the adult(s) and children already in the program
I would be happy here if I were a child
I feel comfortable leaving my child here.
