Step 1: Interview caregivers/teachers. Ask questions about the:

Program:

• Does the program philosophy fit with your philosophy of raising children?
• Is the length of the day appropriate for your child and your needs?
• Is there an open door policy for visiting (notifying is a courtesy)?
• Are the fees acceptable or is financial aid is available?
  

Staff:

• Is the staff trained and/or licensed in early childhood education?
• Are the ratios of adults to children acceptable to you? (see guidelines below)
• Do the teachers read to individuals or small groups during the day as well as group time?
• Does the staff communicate well with children encouraging children to problem solve?
• Does the staff recognize individual differences in children and willing to work with them as individuals?
  

Parent Participation:
(Studies show that parent participation increases a child’s academic performance in school)

• Is there open communication between teachers and parents?
• Does a parents’ organization or support group exist?
  

Facility and Materials:

• Is there adequate space or a space reserved for large motor activities?
• Does the room have a variety of spaces for dramatic play, art, books, building materials, a place to be alone, places to socialize yet is not too stimulating?
• Is there a variety of safe, stimulating materials that are age appropriate?
  

Activities:

• Are the activities child-initiated?
• Does the curriculum offer children the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities?
• Do the activities encourage children to create their own ideas for art projects, block construction etc.?
• Is there plenty of interaction with children and adults which fosters language and self-esteem?
• Are creative play materials available to encourage children to question, experiment and pretend?
• Are real experiences through books and field trips provided to exercise curiosity?
• Are there a variety of activities so that each child has a chance to be successful?
• Do children participate in activities which require responsibility?
• Are music activities encouraged and included?
• Are there plenty of literacy rich activities and experiences: books, singing, rhyming, pretend play, creating stories, match and science through real life and play experiences – not worksheets?
• Do the activities stimulate the five senses?

Step 2: Visit and look for:

• a good relationship between staff and children
• happy, active children
• a clean, safe place, inside and out
• a variety of learning materials
  

Step 3: Check references.
Talk with other parents or people that have experience with the center or school.

Step 4: Make a decision.

Step 5: Stay involved.
Be sure to:

• make time to talk with your caregiver or teacher frequently about issues or concerns
• ask about your child’s growth and development.

The number of children per adult care provider and the total group size are two important factors that indicate the quality and safety of a child care setting. The recommended guidelines for these factors vary by age. A report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests the following standards:

http://www.aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/ccquality-ind02/#Staff1

When infants or toddlers are included in mixed age groups, the staff-to-child ratios and group size guidelines for the youngest child should be followed. Mixed age groups that do not include infants or toddlers should follow guidelines that reflect the most common age.

Federal and state laws allow equal access to public education and early intervention services for children with special needs. The Minnesota Department of Health offers a Directory of Services Available to Children with Disabilities in Minnesota online.

Another resource is Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs (MCSHN). It is a public program which seeks to improve the quality of life for children with special health needs and their families.

Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network
www.mnchildcare.org
1-888-291-9811

Finding Quality Childcare
http://www.childcareaware.org/en/

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
http://www.naccrra.org/

TLC Child Care Locators
www.childcarecenters.org

Adult & Children’s Alliance
www.acainc.org
(651) 481-9320

Child Care Resources Handbook
http://www.opm.gov/family/wrkfam/html/cchb500.asp

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Study of Early Child Care (SECC) and Youth Development (2000)
Available online: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/od/secc/index.htm

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002).
13 Indicators of Quality Child Care: Research Update.
Available online: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/ccquality-ind02

Early Childhood Family Education
Family Resources
http://www.ecfe.info/

U.S. Department of Education (2004)
Serving Preschool Children Under Title I.
Available online: http://education.state.mn.us/content/074633.pdf

Minnesota Department of Education,
Early Learning Services Information
http://education.state.mn.us/html/intro_early_learning.htm