Below are some considerations for parents to think about before and during their search for quality child care for their child.

• Visit the home or center before enrolling your child.  You can drop in to a center unannounced to make a visit during normal operating hours.  Be sure to check that there are enough materials in the home or center and that children who are there are engaged.
• Check online at to see if the home or center is licensed by the Department of Public Health (see link below)

• Ask what kind of educational background does the staff has: CDA? 2 year degree? Bachelors in Education? How many are CPR? First Aid certified?

• Ask what the child/staff ratio is

• Ask about the curriculum that is followed.  Be sure it covers the five areas of development: cognitive, emotional, language, physical and social.  How is it implemented?

• Look for a clean safe environment – including a designated area both inside and outside for recreation.

• Does the home or center provide ongoing assessments and share your child’s progress regularly with you?

• Check online at www.naeyc.org to  to learn more about NAYEC accreditation

• Ask for parent references

• Is there a policy on parent involvement/volunteering

• Is the home center up on current trends in Kindergarten education?