Checklist for Daycare Centers
Use this checklist before trusting your child to a Daycare Center. Prepare one checklist each for all daycare centers and then decide upon the best.
| Daycare Name:
|
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| Monthly Cost: Infant________ Toddler________ School Age______
Hour of Operation:_______________________________________ |
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| Staff and Policy: | ||
| Is the facility licensed? | Yes___ | No___ |
| What is the staff/child ratio? | _____________ | |
| Are parents able to drop in any time? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are staff trained in early childhood education? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Do staff attend training sessions throughout the year? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are staff CPR certified? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are others, besides staff, allowed on premises? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Does the facility have a USDA food program? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Is there a childcare policy handbook or packet you can take with you? ( This should outline sick child policies/procedures, late fees, etc.) | Yes___ | No___ |
|
Tour the Building: |
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| Are the electrical outlets covered? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are electrical cords out of reach? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are the smoke detectors operational? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are there fire extinguishers in each room? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are fire escape plans posted? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are there safety gates up in appropriate places i.e., the stairs, open doors? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are cleaning supplies and dangerous substances locked away? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Is the outdoor play area fenced? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Is there soap and paper towels at the children’s sink? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Is the outdoor play equipment free from rust and protruding objects? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Is the outdoor play equipment sturdy? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are weapons kept on premises? | Yes___ | No___ |
|
Observe the child/worker interaction |
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| Are there separate spaces for the infants and toddlers? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are the toys and materials age appropriate for each age group? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Do the children seemed busy and engaged in their activities? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are workers taking care of crying/upset children in a caring and sensitive manner? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Are the workers handling conflict among the children in a positive manner? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Do the workers seem patient and receptive to the needs of children? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Do the workers wash their hands after changing diapers and taking a toddler to the toilet? | Yes___ | No___ |
| Do the workers have the toddlers wash their hands after using the toilet? | Yes___ | No___ |