The Basics of Good Child Care

Good child care requires three important things:

• a well-trained consistent caregiver
• a setting that keeps your child safe and healthy
• an environment that enhances your child's physical, mental, emotional and social growth

Trust your intuition and observations. The checklist below will help guide you in your observations.

Observational Checklist

___	Regularly scheduled nutritious meals and snacks are provided and menus are posted.
___	Indoor and outdoor spaces are clean and safe.
___	Children and adults wash hands after diapering/toileting and before meals.
___	Furniture and equipment are child-sized.
___	Medicine and cleaning products are out of the reach of children.
___	Discipline is handled in a gently, but firm manner.
___	Rules are clear, simple and consistent.
___	Children are not expected to sit quietly or wait for long periods of time.
___	Books, blocks, puzzles and other learning materials are available and within easy reach of the children.
___	Outdoor play occurs daily; weather permitting.
___	Each child has their own crib or cot.
___	Parents are welcome at any time, without prior notice.
___	Caregivers respond quickly in a loving, gentle way.
___	There is a daily schedule that makes children feel comfortable and secure.
___	Parents and children are greeted upon arrival.
___	Caregivers have training specific to the ages of children they care for.