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C.H.I.L.D. C.A.R.E.

Selecting Quality Childcare

By Marie-Helen Goyetche

A Activities: Activities will also be based on developmental areas. Are they varied with books, games, puppets and different learning centers? Do children go outside everyday (weather permitting)? Do they go on field trips? Are there weekly themes such as seasons, animals and holidays to involve children in discussions? Is the television set for educational use? What if your child doesn't want to participate in a certain activity? Is his decision respected?

R Ratio: "Ratio" refers to the number of children per each adult. Ratios vary from home day care to day care and from infants to preschool age children. Ask (and count) how many would be in your child's group. On average, a home day care will have one adult for six children; in day cares one adult for four babies is average. For children under age four, the ration is sometimes one adult to ten children. Check your state's laws on adult-child rations.

E Environment: Where will your child spend his time? Does the play area have sufficient space for more than one activity to take place at the same time? Is it clean and well lit? Are there lots of toys, games and books? Are there signs of animation in the play area?

Ask for references and talk to parents when they pick up their children at the center. Do not ignore your gut feeling. If something doesn't "feel" right, listen to your instincts; never trust your child to a center with which you don't feel comfortable.