Operations Checklist

It is important that parents know what they should expect from a childcare provider. In addition, parents should know what kinds of questions to ask before choosing a prospective childcare provider. We have developed the following Quality Checklist to help parents in need of childcare.

This Quality Checklist measures a childcare service in 4 categories: programs, staff, health & safety, and staff/parent communication.

Program

Does the curriculum meet national standards for quality as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is there a goal to become accredited?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are language and literacy skills development part of the daily program?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are activities balanced between vigorous outdoor play and quiet indoor play?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are self-help skills such as dressing, toilet training, resting, washing and eating encouraged as children are ready?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is there a positive method of discipline through education versus punishment?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are children given opportunities to select activities of interest to them?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Staff

Do the teachers interact positively with the children?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are teachers educated and experienced in early childhood education?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are teachers required to have training and certification in CPR and first aid?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Do the teachers receive an annual performance evaluation?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is there a positive method of discipline through education versus punishment?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Does the staff meet regularly to plan and evaluate the curriculum?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Health & Safety

Are nutritious foods and beverages provided throughout the day?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are health guidelines and emergency phone numbers posted clearly?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are health care policies in place, including hand washing before and after changing diapers, blowing noses and preparing food?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is the center clean?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are emergency procedures and evacuation routes established and practiced regularly?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are security policies and procedures implemented, monitored and evaluated regularly?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is there adequate adult supervision for each age group and activity?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is at least one staff member trained in first aid?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Does each child have an individual cot, mat or crib?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Staff/Parent Communication

Are visits by parents encouraged?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are records used to help parents and staff better understand the child, including daily written reports and incident reports?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are there opportunities for informal and formal discussions about the child?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Do parents have access to child care resources through the center including information on child development and parenting?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are parent ideas welcomes?  Are there ways for parents for parents to be involved?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Is there a positive method of discipline through education versus punishment?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers

Are children given opportunities to select activities of interest to them?

ABC Does It

Other Childcare Providers