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
