Daycare Centers
Your baby's first year of life is critical to early development. Since each infant is a unique individual with unique needs, your Daycare Center should emphasize individual care for your infant. Lines of communication between you and your Daycare Center should be open. Parents and caregivers should develop a trusting relationship so that all of you are comfortable with the daily care given to your infant.

Once you've narrowed your list to a few Daycare Centers, it's a good idea to make preliminary visits to each school. Observe the programs in action. Are the children involved in their activities? Do the children and staff look happy and content with their surroundings? Take time and let yourself experience the school. Remember, this school will have an important influence in your child's development. Choose a Daycare Center that is right for your child. Review the following list of Daycare Center guidelines:

Daycare and Childcare programs should conform to state regulations and satisfy minimal standards of health and safety. Ask the school's director to confirm that their school's program is up-to-date with its state license, and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

What experience do the teachers have in early childhood education?

Does the director of the Daycare Center or Childcare Center have experience as a teacher?

What is the staff turnover?

Does the ratio of adults to children comply with state requirements?

Stop by during school hours and visit the schools that you are considering. A good school will welcome and even encourage your visit at any time.

When selecting a Daycare Center for your infant, ask if a daily or weekly report is available for your child. A written report detailing your baby's daily activities is most important when your child is not yet talking.
What does your child eat during the day?
How long does your child nap?
Did your child go outside in the fresh air today?
Ask for a general status of your infant or young child at the end of each week.


For toddlers and older children, also ask:

Is food provided? If yes, is the food nutritious?

Is an Organic Menu an option?
Are vegetables and fruit served each day?
Even if you send food ask - what does my child actually eat during the day?


What activities is my child involved in during playtime?
Does my child interact well with other children?
If a child needs some quiet time; are "private" areas set-up for some private time?

Ask about Parent-Teacher conferences? Your child's Parent-Teacher conference will give you an opportunity to learn how your child is thriving in their Daycare or Childcare Center. Also, there may be specific areas of concern that you and your Daycarel Teacher need to discuss.

Spend some time in the rooms in which your child will spend their time. Are the rooms sunny, uplifting, friendly, clean, and anything else that is important to you as a parent?


Is a written statement available stating the Childcare or Daycare Center's goals and philosophy about daycare?

Is social development addressed? Ask how.
Is emotional development addressed? Ask how.
Is intellectual development addressed? Ask how.
Is physical development addressed? Ask how.


Does the program address spontaneous play and teacher-guided activity?

Consider the outdoor play area.


What is the teacher/child ratio for outdoor play?
Is this a clean and green environment for your child? Be sure that pesticides are NOT used in your child's outdoor play area.
Does the outdoor area look safe?
Is there variety and stimulation opportunities in the outdoor equipment?
Is there enough equipment to support your child's class size?

The first few years of your child's life are an amazing time, filled with discovery and enormous growth. It is not surprising that what your child learns early in life will influence their success later in school, in relationships, and in life.