Seeking
quality childcare for your children requires time, effort, and considerable
research on part of every parent. The process of choosing a quality childcare
program consists of several stages, which have been described in all the articles
listed on this website. To make life easier, given below is a checklist that
entails each and every aspect of finding the right program.
The Checklist:
Phase I - Research
1. Have you bought brochures from at least
5 day care centers? [ _ ]
2. Have you researched on the Internet, Local publications, and school notice
boards? [ _ ]
3. Have you contacted your local childcare organization or association, if
any? [ _ ]
Phase II - Visiting a center
1. Have
you taken appointments to meet the director and other personnel of the childcare
center, and visit the center? [ _ ]
2. Did you spend at least 25 to 30 minutes inspecting the center for safety?
Standards, amenities and other facilities provided? [ _ ]
3. Have you prepared a comprehensive questionnaire to interview the director,
and other personnel? [ _ ]
4. Have you checked the credentials of the people working at the center [
_ ]
5. Have you checked the facility for hygiene and cleanliness? [ _ ]
6. Have you made a note of all activities and programs that the facility incorporates
for development of your child ? [ _ ]
7. Does the facility meet all legal requirements such as licensing? [ _ ]
8. Have you checked as many references as possible before short listing? [
_ ]
9. Have you interacted with care givers to ensure that they are friendly and
dedicated to their work? [ _ ]
Phase III - Financing
1. Have you worked out all costs involved and
ensured that there are no hidden fees? [ _ ]
2. Have you approached local childcare associations to avail any subsidies
or benefits that you may qualify for? [ _ ]
Phase IV - Monitoring
1. Do you regularly monitor the childcare facility
(at least once every 2 weeks.? [ _ ]
2. Do you interact with caregivers often to find out the progress of your
child? [ _ ]
