About Us

Defining Quality Child Care

With all the day care centers out there,
how do you decide which is best?
Start by knowing all your options

What does quality child care mean to you? No doubt, it means a safe environment and responsible caretakers. But the differences among child day care centers and child care providers go way beyond that. For instance, some providers take care of your child, but they don't offer an educational component. Other child care providers are focused on education but don't offer much in the way of warmth and personal interaction.

The checklist below was created to help make the process of choosing a child care facility easier, more enjoyable, and more educational. Please use it to help guide you in this very important decision-making process.

FACILITY

Floor Plan

• Is there a free-flowing floor plan?
• Does the day care center layout allow for constant sight and sound contact with your child?
• Is the child care classroom configuration one that promotes safe learning and encourages creativity?

Safety Features

• Do all entries and exits provide secure/controlled access?
• Are there established fire alarms/security systems/evacuation procedures?
• Is there stable fencing surrounding the entire facility?
• Does the child care facility have security cameras and/or webcams?
• Is there a well-established and ongoing safety training program?
• Have all staff members and teachers had background checks?

Cleanliness

• Does the day care center appear exceptionally clean, both inside and outside?
• Are there established guidelines for sanitizing the diapering stations, bathrooms, kitchens, toys and tables?
• Is there an outside janitorial service hired to thoroughly sanitize and cleanse the entire facility on a regular basis?
• When you walk around the day care facility does it smell fresh and clean?
• Is a health check performed every morning by each child's teacher to look for signs and symptoms of illness?

Equipment and Supplies

• Has the child day care center provided state-of-the-art, age-appropriate educational tools and aids?
• Does playground equipment meet federal and safety standards?
• Have learning aids and furniture been designed for maximum comfort and learning?
• Are detailed inspections and evaluations of the day care facility performed before any piece of equipment is brought onto the premises?

Child's Experience

• What is the background and training of teachers and staff?
• What is the teacher to child ratio?
• Is the educational philosophy one that will fit with your child?
• Does the curriculum balance education and fun appropriately?
• What is the amount of time spent outdoors? Is a significant amount of the day dedicated to physical fitness?
• How are meals and snacks incorporated into your child’s everyday routine?

Parent Partnership

• How involved do you feel with your child’s experience at the day care center?
• What kind of constant communication does the center promise?
• How open are the teachers and staff about talking with you?
• Are they willing to share information about your child’s activities daily?

Visit a Kiddie Academy near you and see where community begins.