What to Look for in a Provider

There are many factors involved in choosing the right child care situation -- and a lot of it is subjective. After all, one family's dream situation is another family's biggest challenge.

Some factors, though, are objective; they're the characteristics that mark a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for your child. Although some of the following factors apply more to child care center programs, others can be adapted to any child care situation.

Here's what you'll see in a quality child care program:

The Classroom or Play-space: Set up so that children can explore freely and safely. The room has the following features:

• Toys, art materials, cubbies, books, etc., are all within the reach of little hands.
• Furniture (and ideally bathrooms) are child-sized.
• The room has adequate space where the children can spread out and play on the floor.
• There are cozy corners for snuggling, reading, listening to music, etc. The classroom is inclusive of children with any special needs.

Teachers/Providers:

• Are attentive to children, carefully supervising them and quickly responding to their needs in a positive, loving way
• Set limits about behavior that they convey clearly to the children
• Encourage children to talk to each other -- both to solidify friendships and work out disagreements
• Are prepared to step in, if necessary, so that aggressive behavior does not escalate
• Help the children get the most out of their play experiences by asking questions about what they are doing, offering encouragement, and redirecting children as needed
• Have training in child development and update their training periodically with courses and seminars
• Always show a respectful attitude towards the children, parents and each other

Child/Provider Relationship: The children remain with a primary caregiver for a long time so that a strong child/teacher relationship is developed. The provider gets to know each child's learning style needs, and cues, and is able to respond to each child in a satisfying way. Providers are affectionate with children, offering hugs, pats, and encouraging words as needed.

Actvities: Just right for the ages of the children: challenging enough to allow children the thrill of mastering something they first find difficult, but not so challenging that children are continually frustrated. Toys and learning areas (e.g., the block corner) are designed to encourage children to try out different kinds of activities. In additition to focusing on learning areas, activities sometimes relate to themes such as the seasons, holidays, family, feelings, etc. Circle time is age-approriate: toddlers participate with songs, finger plays, etc.

Child Development: Providers understand different ages and stages and handle children accordingly (e.g., teachers create environments where they can direct children to positive activities and minimize conflict). In addition, teachers praise children frequently and offer them opportunities to develop confidence and independence (e.g., toddlers work on dressing and feeding themselves; older children get help writing their names).

Safety: Look around to make sure that precautions are being taken:

• Outlets are covered.
• Wires or cords are out of reach.
• Bookshelves and other furniture are secured to walls and doors.
• Cleaning products are locked out of reach.
• Furniture is child-friendly (no sharp edges, rough surfaces, or pointy corners).
• Bathrooms are disinfected, frequent hand washing is required, and there are clear procedures for safe diapering and diaper disposal.

The Schedule: Teachers plan so that there is time for free play, group play, individual play, structured activities, outdoor time, and quiet time. Time periods are appropriate to the age of the child: not so long that children become restless and bored -- and not so short that they feel they've been interrupted in a chosen activity. Teachers leave adequate time for transitions between activities so children don't feel rushed, and give warnings before changing activities.

Accreditation: First, find out whether the program is licensed by the state or accredited by an organization such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Reading: Teachers read to the children, both individually and in groups, pausing to ask questions along the way ("What do you think happens now?" "Does Curious George look happy about what just happened?"). They encourage children to discuss the story afterwards, relating it to events in their own lives. Books are sturdy, age-appropriate, free of stereotypes, and expose children to new ideas and situations.

Parental Communication: Teachers communicate freely and often with parents, both at drop-off and pickup, in conversations and through notes, and/or with occasional conferences. Parents feel free to visit the classroom or volunteer in the classroom. Parents feel they are partners with the provider -- working together for their child's healthy growth and development.

Outdoor Space: Outdoor play equipment is safe and age appropriate. Smaller children are separated from bigger children (who may be unintentionally rough or intimidating). The outdoor area is fenced-in with child safety locks on gates.

Continuity of Care: Children stay with their groups as they advance from one level to another (e.g., toddler to preschooler). Children are introduced to new teachers and classrooms slowly, to give them a chance to adapt comfortably.