What to Look for When Choosing Child Care
Research shows that caregiver education, caregiver training, group size and staff-to-child ratios, daily learning activities, and program environment have a positive impact on a child’s social, emotional, physical, language and intellectual development.
Health & Safety
Basic things to look for when choosing child care:
- Post or have available a Texas Department of Family and protective Services (DFPS) permit or letter
- CPR and First Aid training
- Health and safety training
- Good hand-washing practices
- Daily review of indoor/outdoor environments
- Fire extinguisher or smoke detectors
- Fire drills practice
- Child proofing
- Emergency or evacuation plans
- Continuous child supervision
- Nutritious meals and snacks
Quality Care
Look Beyond Safety
- For reading and learning opportunities
- For both teacher and child-directed activities
Listen
- To the children laughing, singing, and playing
- To the teacher’s tone of voice
- To the teacher and child interaction
- To the teacher redirect children’s behavior
Count
- The number of children in a classroom-ratios and group sixe guidelines specified by DFPS are important in all age groups, especially for infants!
Ask
- About teacher-child development training
- About child-to-teacher ratio and group size
- About ability to care for children with special needs
Remember to make unannounced visits!