Key Quality Indicators

In addition to the star rating, look for the following quality indicators to help guide your search. When your child is in a high quality program, you can feel confident that he/she is getting the best possible care. We have provided a printable checklist for family child care homes and centers. Print one for each facility you intend to visit and take it with you to help guide you as you are evaluating each facility.

Health & Safety

Health and safe experiences in the child care setting are critical to healthy development.  Some of the basic things you should look for include:

 Good hand washing and diapering procedures

 Space is clean and free of potential harm

 First aid equipment is available and staff are trained on proper use of equipment and CPR

 Infants are put to sleep on their backs

 Fire drills and evacuation procedures are practiced and parents are made aware of the facility's policies

Group Size & Staff Child Ratio

Low staff/child ratios (the number of children per adult) allow teachers to give attention to each individual child and respond to their unique needs.  Smaller group sizes (the number of children allowed in a single classroom) create safer and calmer environments and in turn results in an optimal place for children to learn and grow.  North Carolina defines maximum standards for group size and staff/child ratios (see the chart here).  In general, lower staff/child ratios equal better quality.

Caregiver Education & Turnover

Research shows that having a consistent child care provider/teacher is best because it allows the child to develop a bond with another caring adult.  In addition, the teacher's level of education is important because they will be better prepared to help your child learn.

Family Involvement

You and your child care provider are partners in ensuring that your child is well cared for and getting appropriate early learning experiences.  A child care provider and facility should offer you ways to stay involved, such as visiting the facility, holding parent-caregiver meetings, volunteering for birthday and holiday parties and chaperoning field trips.

Positive Teacher-Child Interactions

When teachers listen, make eye contact and engage in caring face-to-face interactions with young children, they promote secure teacher-child relationships.  Thus helps children learn how to develop secure and positive relationships with others.

Developmentally Appropriate Activities/Curriculums

Developmentally Appropriate Practice is grounded in both the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about education effectiveness.  Teachers should provide age appropriate materials and activites.  Children should be allowed to make choices, and TV should be limited or excluded.  Developmentally appropriate curriculums follow the "learning through play" approach.

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