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Welcome Home Magazine
79 Spyglass Drive
Littleton, Colorado 80123-6657
Phone: (303) 797-8400
Email: jim@welcomehomemag.com
Copyright 2008 Welcome Home Magazine

Child Care Checklist
o Is the provider licensed with the state?
o Is there a center-based creative curriculum to challenge your child’s development?
o Do children at the program seem happy and relaxed?
o Are there provisions for isolating a sick child?
o Are emergency procedures and phone numbers posted?
o Is the care area clean and sanitary?
o Are menus with nutritionally balanced meals posted?
o Is there an area for children to take naps?
o Are there specific procedures for releasing children?
o Are parents welcome and encouraged to visit?
o Is outdoor equipment safe and in a fenced in area?
o Does the staff give children individual attention?
o Is the staff sensitive to the needs of both children and parents?
o Are computers available at all times?
o Are there specific activities for different age groups?
o Is there a summer program available?
o Are medications stored and administered safely?
o How is discipline handled?
o Are there accommodations for safe transportation?

Finding Quality Child Care
by Victoria Pearson
Finding the best child care for your children can be a time consuming process. However, as a parent you know it is important to take the time to find out what is best for your children in a new situation. What type of care is right for you — a child care center, in-home day care, nanny or babysitter? Here are some tips to make sure the child care you select has the most comfortable and safe environment possible.
First, make a list of your needs. This can be time consuming but can really help you organize your thoughts and priorities. Do you have a limited budget, what hours will you need care, how close does the provider need to be to your home, do you need strict or lenient discipline and will your children need to be transported to and from school? Next, make a list of your children’s needs. How much structure do they need, do they have special physical or emotional needs and do they have any allergies or special dietary needs?
Now you need to decide what type of care you prefer, a child care center, care in someone else’s home or care in your home.
Choosing A Child Care Center
It is a good idea to visit any child care center you are considering at least three times before you enroll your child. Consider the first a business meeting. Use this time to go over any contracts you must sign, to learn the center’s schedule for regular days as well as their holiday schedule, to learn the center’s rules for the children to follow and to understand all policies regarding payments, credits and sick child care. On your second visit observe the center while it is operational. Are the physical and emotional needs of the children met, is the environment safe, are there plenty of activities, and do the children seem happy at the center? On your third visit bring your children to make sure they feel comfortable in the environment. You should also make an appointment with social services in your county to view the center’s file, which would show any complaints the center may have had.