When you trust someone else to care for and teach your child, you want to be sure it's the right place. You want a safe, secure, warm place where your child will learn, develop and have a wonderful time.

It's a difficult decision. That's why we put together this checklist to help you find the right place for your child.

Learning & Nurturing


• Are teachers loving and responsive?
• Are teachers specially trained for the age they teach?
• Do the teachers make learning fun and help prepare children for the future?
• Does the curriculum provide a balance of daily teacher-directed and child-directed activities?
• Do the children have access to a variety of engaging activities throughout the day?
• Are toys and learning materials safe, plentiful and age appropriate? Are they sanitized properly?
• Do both the indoor and outdoor play areas age appropriate equipment?
• Do teachers use positive techniques to guide children's behavior?
• Are parents welcome and encouraged to visit at any time?

Health & Safety


• Is the school licensed?
• Is the school clean and well maintained?
• Are emergency procedures and evacuation routes established and practiced regularly?
• Are health guidelines and emergency phone numbers posted?
• Are security policies and procedures implemented?
• Are nutritious foods and beverages provided throughout the day?
• Are all children under adult supervision at all times?
• Are sick children who are contagious kept at home?
• Are immunizations required?

Teachers & Staff


• Are teachers educated and experienced in early childhood education?
• Do the teachers and staff provide the kind of warm attention and satisfying learning experiences that prepare children for the future?
• Do the teachers interact positively with the children?
• Is it the desire of teachers and staff to instill confidence, build self-esteem and develops the love of learning?
• Are teachers and staff trained in First Aid? CPR?
• Is ongoing training provided for teachers and staff?
• Are the teachers and staff a good role model?

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