Chapter 2 Types of Early Childhood Programs Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 39 Selecting Quality Child Care Yes No 1. Is the center accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children? 2. Do the ratios and group size meet NAYEC’s recommendations? 3. Do the children appear to be happy, active, and secure? 4. Does the center provide in-service training and continuing education for the staff? 5. Are all staff members educationally qualified? 6. Do staff members attend in-service training, professional meetings, and conferences on a regular basis? 7. Are staff meetings conducted regularly to plan and evaluate program activities? 8. Do staff members observe, assess, and document each child’s developmental progress on a continuous basis? 9. Does the curriculum support the children’s individual rates of development? 10. Does the staff value and include each child’s family, culture, and language in the curriculum? 11. Are the indoor and outdoor environments large enough to support a variety of activities? 12. Is the environment inviting, warm, and stimulating? 13. Is equipment provided to promote and challenge physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development? 14. Are safe and sanitary conditions maintained within the building and on the playground? 15. Are teacher-child interactions warm, frequent, and positive? 16. Are teachers using developmentally appropriate teaching strategies? 17. Are multicultural perspectives incorporated in the curriculum and classroom environment? 18. Are families welcome to observe and participate in the program? 19. Is sufficient equipment available for the number of children attending? 20. Do the teachers communicate in the child’s home language? 21. Does the climate in the center feel inviting and positive? 22. Do teachers meet with families regularly to discuss the child’s abilities, needs, interests, and progress? Figure 2.10 To help ease the parents’ stress in choosing child care for their children, you may wish to supply them with this questionnaire.