Choosing quality child care is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The environment where a young child spends his or her waking hours is important to development and learning, and will affect the child for the rest of their life.

How do you choose a high quality child care center or home? What should families look for when exploring the options available to them? Parents should consider the following questions:

1. Does the child care facility have safe, clean areas (both inside and outside) that are available to the children?

The first thing to look for when exploring child care arrangements is a safe, clean environment. Buildings and play areas should meet all safety codes.

2. What is the facility's star-rating?

Does the program comply with state licensing requirements? Ask the center director or the home provider what star rating they hold (between 1 and 5 stars, 5 being the highest).

3. Is the group size small and are there enough adults to talk one-on-one with each child?

It is important for children to interact with the adults around them in order to develop language and critical thinking skills. Smaller groups allow for more conversation and interaction between children and adults. Caregivers should also show a genuine interest and respect towards the children.

4. Are caregivers trained in early childhood development and education?

When teachers are trained to understand what is appropriate for different ages, they can accept the behavior and ability differences that exist among children. Caregivers that are aware of these differences prepare activities that allow each child to fully develop.

5. Do the children appear to be happy and relaxed?

Children who are in a quality learning environment are excited about what they are doing and enjoy being there. On the other hand, if a child looks scared or bored, he or she probably is.

6. Are family members welcome in the center at all times?

High quality centers and child care homes have an open door policy for family members. Do you feel welcome and included at the center or home? Does the staff encourage parents to participate in activities?

7. Are the children involved in meaningful activities for most of the day?

Look for centers and child care homes where teachers encourage children to experiment and create on a daily basis. Young children need to be able to work at their own pace. Therefore, group activities should be kept to a minimum.

8. Do teachers receive appropriate support and compensation?

In order to develop bonds with the adults in their lives, young children need consistent care giving. It is ideal for the same teachers and staff to stay with a child as long as possible. Appropriate support and compensation encourage teachers to stay at the same center for a longer period of time.

Conclusion:
When choosing child care, you should start early and visit a potential center or home more than once. Interview a caregiver carefully. Ask yourself how you feel when visiting a particular center or home and trust your feelings. If the atmosphere is not comfortable for you, then it probably will not be a good environment for your child.

This article was adapted with permission from an article by Karen W. Ponder, Executive Director of the N.C. Partnership for Children