How to Choose A Program

Choosing a day care program for your child can be a challenge. When selecting a program, visit at a time of day when the children should be active, such as in the morning. Take your child along and don't hesitate to ask questions. Take this checklist as a guide. Do not expect to find everything listed here! Do choose the program with which you feel most comfortable.

Look for:

A. Staff

• Treats children with respect, flexibility and patience.
• Is able to meet your child's developmental and emotional needs.
• Is of a sufficient number to meet the needs of children.
• Takes time to discuss your child with you.
• Practices good personal hygiene.
• Has previous experience or training in working with children.

B. Facility

• Safe indoor and outdoor areas and equipment.
• Orderly, clean play areas.
• Airy rooms with bright colors.
• Sanitary bathrooms and diaper changing areas.

C. Health and Safety

• Comfortable temperatures summer and winter.
• Rounded table corners and other furniture safety features.
• Non-toxic play materials.
• First aid kit.
• Healthy snacks and/or meals.
• Clean kitchen area.
• Handwashing after toileting and before meals and snacks.
• Separate cribs for infants and separate cots/mats for others.
• Cleaning materials, medicines out of reach of children.

D. Program

• Proper child-staff ratios.
• Creative play.
• Plenty of play materials.
• Plenty of educational materials.
• Organized program of activities.
• Supervised rest time.
• Minimal, supervised TV if any.
• Stories read.

E. General

• A license or registration certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and/or Education.
• Rules clearly explained.
• Good behavior encouraged.
• Other parents visiting.
• Children allowed to get dirty naturally through play.
• No children "left out."
• Lots of laughing, caring, sharing.
• HAPPY CHILDREN

Be sure to ask these questions:

• May I drop in anytime?
• May I participate in program planning?
• May I take part in special events and trips?
• What are the hours?
• What are the fees?
• What does this include?
• Is there a reduction in fee if my child is out sick?
• What happens if my child gets sick or injured at the center?
• Are the caregivers trained in child development?
• What are the hiring procedures?
• How long has most staff worked here?
• May I contact staff references?
• Is there a parents' group or program?
• Are there restrictions on who may pick up my child?

Ask yourself:

Is the center

• Conveniently located?
• Affordable?

Do I feel:

• Comfortable with the caregivers?
• Good watching my child play at this center?
• That the center is "right" for my child and myself?

Try to:

• Set up a "trial day" when your child can join in activities while you observe.

After your child begins attending:

• Drop in unannounced and visit regularly.
• Leave emergency contact information with the caregiver.
• Set up 2 or 3 "back-up plans" in case of your child's or your illness.
• Get involved with your child's day care experience.

Copies of day care regulations may be obtained by calling 1-800-222-2117

Admissions, the provision of services, and referrals of clients shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex.

Neither DPW nor the CCIS guarantees the quality of service delivered by the provider and is not responsible for any act or failure to act by the provider. All information about the providers have been obtained from the providers.