Tips for Choosing Childcare
When selecting or interviewing a particular childcare facility, it may be helpful to ask the following questions:
Is the centre licensed, and is the license posted? (you may check with Community of Social Services)
Are the government ratios being followed? (number of children per teacher)
Does the centre have an 'Open Door Policy', allowing you to drop-in anytime unannounced?
Are they registered with the Better Business Bureau and have they had any complaints against them?
What security measures are taken?
What is the philosophy behind the education that is provided to the children?
What qualifications do the staff have?
Are the staff trained in CPR?
Are the staff unionized or non-unionized?
Is the facility a private or non-profit organization?
What discipline techniques are practiced?
Does the centre encourage multi-cultural education?
Does the menu follow the Canada Food Guide? Is the menu posted?
Is outdoor time scheduled daily?
Are children supervised constantly, never being left unattended?
Is nap time mandatory?
Are quiet time activities provided for the non-sleepers?
Are the staff offered 'Job Related Training Courses' to keep their skills current?
How frequently is new equipment purchased? (outdoor equipment/classroom equipment)
Is the centre well ventilated? (proper heating and air conditioning is important for maintaining a healthy environment)
What are the policies/procedures and financial agreements?
In general, if you are able to schedule a visit to the childcare facility with your child and sit in on a class, this will give you and your child an opportunity to observe teacher/child interactions and the overall organization of their program and routine. Take note of how the children in the class are behaving; do they seem happy and content? This will speak volumes about the overall classroom management.
Please feel free to print this list of questions to use as a guideline as you search for the perfect childcare solution.