Parenting Checklists

Childcare/Daycare Interview

• What is the infant/toddler to staff ratio?
• How many children are enrolled and how many are you licensed to care for?
• Are there times of the year when the center is closed?
• What fees does the center charge for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children?
• Are there any additional costs (diapers, meals, transportation, etc.)?
• Is there a charge for days when your child is absent due to illness or holidays?
• Have all of the members of the staff had appropriate training in early childhood education?
• Have staff members had training in CPR, infant CPR, and first aid?
• Are staff members responsible for caring for the same children on an ongoing basis, to ensure continuity of care?
• Will any non-staff members have contact with your child (e.g. students, volunteers, etc.)?
• Have background checks been conducted on these individuals?
• What are the center’s behavior management policies?
• What are the center’s policies for handling accidents and other serious occurrences?
• What are the center’s policies regarding the administration of medications?
• What are the center’s policies regarding caring for sick children?
• Does the center have a policy of only releasing children to people whom the parents have authorized, in writing, to pick them up?
• How is the day structured?
• Are the meals varied, nutritious, and age-appropriate?
• Are parents encouraged to drop by the center at any time?
• What policies does the center have in place to encourage ongoing communication between parents and caregiver