• What ages are accepted?
• Are there any openings?
• Is there a waitlist?
• If so, when is the opening anticipated?
• Is there a fee to be placed on a waitlist? Is it refundable?
• Do future siblings receive priority for openings?

• Is the center convenient to home?
• Is the center convenient to school?
• Do the hours of operation accommodate your school schedule?
• Does the holiday schedule accommodate your school schedule?
• Are there after-hours programs?
• Are there daily/weekly hour restrictions?
• What is the policy for sick children?
• What is the policy for family members or friends dropping off/picking up the child?

• What is the cost?
• When is payment due?
• Does the cost depend on child’s age (usually age-dependent)?
• Are there sibling discounts?
• Is there still a charge for a child’s sick or vacation day?
• Are there charges on days when the center is closed?
• Are there extra charges for late pickup?
• Do the fees include meals or formula?
• Do the fees include diapers?
• Are there any extra fees (i.e. supplies)?
• Is there financial aid or scholarships?
• Is the cost (tuition + fees) affordable?

• How many children are cared for?
• What is the child to caregiver ratio in each group (refer to suggested guidelines below)?
• What are the ages of the children?
• Are there separate spaces for children of different ages?
• What is the educational background of the caregivers?
• What is the experience of the caregivers?
• Does the center perform background checks on all employees?
• Is the center licensed? How long?
• Is the center accredited? How long?
• Are parents welcome to “drop-in”? At what times?

• Is the space clean and child friendly?
• Is there enough space for learning and playing?
• Is there good lighting?
• Is the furniture, toys, etc. in good condition and child-sized?
• Are the cribs safe and free of soft bedding?
• Are there safety gates?
• Are there safety plugs on outlets?
• Are the outlets grounded?
• Are there smoke detectors? Fire extinguishers?
• Is there an emergency exit?
• Is there a fire exit strategy?
• Is there good ventilation, heating, and cooling?
• Are radiators out of reach or covered?
• Are windows and blinds safe?
• Is the outside space fenced and safe?
• What is the condition of the outside playing surface and toys?
• Are all staff CPR and first aid certified for infants and children?
• Is there a first aid kit?
• Are medicines and cleansers locked?
• What is the policy for administering medicines?
• Are medical events recorded?
• Are children’s immunization records submitted before admission?
• Do employees wash hands regularly?
• Do employees wash hands between handling diapers/toileting?
• How often are diapers checked/changed?
• Are children fed nutritious meals/snacks?
• When are children fed?
• How are “picky” eaters handled?
• How/where are children’s snacks stored?

• How are children greeted on arrival?
• Do parents have opportunities to communicate with caregivers daily?
• Are caregivers flexible to parents’ requests?
• Is there a set schedule?
• Is there time for daily active play?
• Is there time for quiet play?
• Do children have the choice to play quietly or with others?
• Is naptime pleasant and relaxed?
• What if the child does not nap well at day care?
• What is pick-up time like?
• Curriculum- Fun and Learning
• Is there a set curriculum or schedule?
• Are there scheduled educational activities?
• Are the activities age appropriate?
• Could you please describe some typical activities that my child would engage in daily?
• Do the children enjoy the activities?
• What types of toys are there?
• Are there age-appropriate books?
• Does it look like a fun and happy place for your child?
• Is there enough space for active play inside during winter months?
• Do caregivers read to children?
• Do the caregivers play together with the children?
• Are there field trips or “in house” field trips?
• What are the safety procedures for these events?

• How are crying children handled?
• Is there individual attention?
• Are the caregivers calm and relaxed?
• Are the caregivers patient and flexible?
• Are the caregivers respectful to all children and parents?
• How are children disciplined?
• Are there rules for children to follow?

Adult-to-Child Ratios According to the Professional Standards for Child Care Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association

• Children ages 6 months - 1½ years — 3 children to 1 staff person
• Children ages 1½ years - 2 years — 4 children to 1 staff person
• Children ages 2 years - 3 years — 7 children to 1 staff person
• Children ages 2 years - 3 years — maximum of 14 children per group

• Children ages 6 months - 1½ years — maximum of 6 children per group
• Children ages 1½ years - 2 years — maximum of 8 children per group

Formal post-high school training, including certification or college degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field