The following points are good ways to measure the quality of a child care home or center.
Caregivers/Teachers
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Do the caregivers/teachers seem to really like children?
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Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child's level to speak with the child?
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Are children greeted when they arrive?
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Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
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Are the caregivers/teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
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Are the caregivers/teachers involved in continuing education programs?
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Does the program keep up with children's changing interests?
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Will the caregivers/teachers always be ready to answer your questions?
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Will the caregivers/teachers tell you what your child is doing every day?
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Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
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Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?
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Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts about the best staff/child ratios for different age groups.)
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Are caregivers/teachers trained and experienced?
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Have they participated in early childhood development classes?
Setting
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Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
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Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment? Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?
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Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
Activities
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Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
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Are the activities right for each age group?
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Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children?
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Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children?
In General
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Do you agree with the discipline practices?
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Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
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Are children comforted when needed?
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Is the program licensed or regulated?
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Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
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Will your child be happy there?
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