Choosing a Preschool or Child Care Center         

§         Find out as much as you can about a program. Talk to other parents who have used the program. Personally interview the director and staff members that will supervise your child.

§         Find out if a preschool or day care center has complaints made against it by calling the Department of Social Services; Community Care Licensing Division or similar department in your state. 

§         Learn about the center’s hiring policies:  Do they check references and employment histories before hiring?  What type of background checks are done on employees?  What kind of training or certification is required?  For example: CPR

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§         Ask who may have contact with your child beside the child care or teaching staff, for example: janitors, bus drivers, relatives of staff members.

§         Ask if the school or center welcomes parent visits and participation:  Are parents allowed (even encouraged) to come and go as they please? Are unannounced visits welcomed?  Pay close attention to center’s attitude in response to these questions. Plan to drop in unannounced.

§         Ask about policies for helping young children to use the bathroom.  Be sure children can not be isolated by adults or other children, even play areas like dress-ups, play houses, tents or forts, including outdoor areas.  There should always be at least 2 adults present with the children.

§         Most importantly, talk to your youngster every day about school or day care.  He or she will love telling you about the day and you will learn if there are any issues you need to address.

§         Never feel intimidated or awkward about sharing concerns with the staff. Trust your gut instincts!