The Military Spouse's Map Through the Maze Pocket GuideASSESS CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

 

When visiting a child care site, ask the following questions in order to assess the quality of operations. Rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 by circling the appropriate numbers on the right: 1 = poor; 5 = excellent. Add up the numbers to get a total score so you can compare different providers.

1. Is this a clean and tidy place?1 2 3 4 5
2. Do the children seem happy and enthusiastic?1 2 3 4 5
3. How are the children usually disciplined?1 2 3 4 5
4. Do the provider's children use this facility?1 2 3 4 5
5. How do the children interact with my child and others?1 2 3 4 5
6. How many children does the license cover?1 2 3 4 5
7. How many adults work here?1 2 3 4 5
8. How qualified are staff members?1 2 3 4 5
9. Do the children have their own space or "cubby"?1 2 3 4 5
10. Do the children nap and for how long?1 2 3 4 5
11. How much time do they spend watching television?1 2 3 4 5
12. How often do they get snacks?1 2 3 4 5
13. What type of snacks are served?1 2 3 4 5
14. Is the lunch menu nutritious?1 2 3 4 5
15. Will I receive menus on a weekly basis?1 2 3 4 5
16. Is the organized play educational?1 2 3 4 5
17. Are there any safety hazards, such as space heaters, uncovered plugs, etc.?1 2 3 4 5
18. Is a weekly schedule posted?1 2 3 4 5
19. Is there a weekly progress report?1 2 3 4 5
20. Are child safety locks in place where children may frequent?1 2 3 4 5
21. What's the policy for sick children?1 2 3 4 5
22. Are play items sterilized periodically?1 2 3 4 5
23. Can parents drop in unannounced?1 2 3 4 5
24. Does the home have pets? How many?1 2 3 4 5
25. Do the pets have access to the children?1 2 3 4 5
26. Is there a play area outdoors?1 2 3 4 5
27. What does the play equipment look like?1 2 3 4 5
28. Is the play equipment safe?1 2 3 4 5
29. Is the play area kept tidy with lawn care?1 2 3 4 5
30. How much attention is given to children at play?1 2 3 4 5
31. What does the provider do in case of emergency?1 2 3 4 5
32. Does this provider have space for my child?1 2 3 4 5
TOtAL SCORE_____

 

SOURCE: Adapted from Trudy S. Woodring and Ronald L. Krannich, Ph.D., The Military Spouse's Map Through the Maze Pocket Guide (Manassas Park: Impact Publications), pages 13-14. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Copying strictly forbidden.