Basic Information:

Does the potential provider meet our requirements for available hours?
Are the fees affordable?
Are meals and snacks age appropriate and nutritional?
Is transportation available if needed?
Is the group size acceptable?
Do they have adequate insurance?
Is their licensing information available to me?
Do they have references?

The Staff:

Do they have training and experience with children?
Do they have an on going continuing education program for the staff?
Are disciplinary methods acceptable?
Are they friendly and cooperative?
Is the staff responsive and supportive?
Are the children treated as individuals?
Is the staff open to parents asking them question no matter how trivial they seem to be?

The Facility:

Is the setting bright and cheerful?
Do the children and the parents seem happy?
Do the staff and children get along well?
Is there a daily schedule or monthly calendar?
Are there age appropriate activities and toys?
Is the facility clean, orderly and safe?
Where are the fire extinguishers, emergency exits, first aid treatments and other emergency equipment?
Where is the emergency disaster plan for the facility?
Do the children get comfort or one-on-one time when needed?
Can the children get things for themselves?
Is there a good variety of materials and activities available for the children?
Are there separate quiet and active play spaces?
Do they have an education program that is age appropriate for your child?
Do they have field trips and other outings?
Do they encourage reading, arts, language, etc?

Parental Evolvement:

Can parents be evolved in decision making and other activities?
Do parents have adequate time to speak with the staff on a daily basis?
Can parents visit unannounced at anytime their children are in care?

Tips:

Always check a facilities references.

Call your local licensing agency and make sure the provider or facility do not have any violations on their record.

Trust your gut, if you are the least bit hesitant about a facility or provider than keep looking.

Look to see if your child is comfortable with the providers and the facility. If he or she is not than look elsewhere.

There are online searchable data bases of providers, use them. One such data base can be found at http://www.4c.org. If you find out about other please e-mail me and I will post them here.

Children are our worlds most precious commodity and they should be treated as such.
Take the time to find quality care for your child.