62 Part One The Children and You
this reason, parents need to take
their time in making this decision.
Parents consider many factors
as they search for the right program.
Each family makes this choice based
on its own needs, priorities, and
goals. Many parents do consider
some common factors, however. See
2-9 for a list of questions parents can
use to compare programs.
Selecting Quality Child Care
Yes No
1. Is the center accredited by b the National Academy of Early Childhood
Programs?
2. Do the children appear to o be happy, active, and secure?
3. Are all staff members edu uc ationally qualifi ed?
4. Do staff members attend in-service training, professional meetings, and
conferences on a regular basis?
5. Are staff meetings conduc ct ed regularly to plan and evaluate program
activities?
6. Do staff members observ ve , assess, and record each child’s
developmental progress?
7. Does the curriculum suppo or t the children’s individual rates of development?
8. Do the staff and curriculum celebrate diversity?
9. Are the indoor and outdoo or environments large enough to support a
variety of activities?
10. Is the environment inviting, g warm, and stimulating?
11. Is equipment provided to promote all four areas of development:
physical, cognitive, social, and emotional?
12. Are safe and sanitary conditions n maintained within the building and on
the playground?
13. Are teacher-child interactions positive?
14. Are teachers using developmentally o appropriate teaching strategies?
15. Are families welcome to observe o and participate?
16. Is suffi cient equipment av va ilable for the number of children attending?
17. Does the climate in the ce en ter “feel” positive?
18. Do teachers meet with families m regularly to discuss the child’s needs,
interests, and abilities?
In n n o o rder rd er t t o o help he lp e e ase as e the th e burden bu rd en o o f f choosing ch oo si ng c c hild hi ld c c are ar e for fo r their th ei r children, ch il dr en you yo u may ma y
w wi sh to supply interested families with this questionnaire.
In In
w
2-9