Things to Look for

• Are the ratios and group size appropriate for my child’s age?
• Is the setting appealing with comfortable lighting and an acceptable noise level?
• Is the environment sanitary, safe and accommodating for the special needs of children?
• Are toys and materials well organized so that children can choose what interests them?
• Is a daily schedule posted, using pictures and visuals, so that children can anticipate what will happen next?
• Do they answer children’s questions patiently? Do they ask children questions?
• Do caregivers engage with the children at their level?
• Do the caregivers seem happy? Are they positively interacting with each other and you?
• Do caregivers speak, sing and read to the children?

Questions to ask

• Am I welcome to drop in at any time?
• Do children have the ability to be involved in the creation of their daily activities? Is play prioritized?
• Which activities do your children enjoy the most?
• Is there a primary caregiver for my child?
• Do you have a policy/method for toilet training?
• What is your illness policy for children and teachers? What is your substitute teacher policy?
• What are meals like? What are naps like?
• How will you communicate with us about our child’s learning and development?
• What is your staff turnover rate?
• What training do staff members have in infant-toddler development?
• How do you assess children’s skills, strengths and needs?
• How do you track developmental milestones?
• How do you keep your children engaged with learning?
• How do you adapt learning activities to meet the needs of each child?

My priorities

• How do they handle daily parent communication?
• Are they active on social media?
• How do they handle discipline? Do I agree with their methods?
• Do they share my values?
• Do they accommodate special diets?
• Do they accommodate for special situations like cloth diapers?
• How close is this provider to my home or work?

Notes

• Would I feel good about leaving my child here?
• What was the outdoor play space like?
• How did I feel about the director? Were they accommodating to my questions and needs? Do they seem flexible and eager to work with me?
• How was the energy of the place?