Integrated Community Planning

At the Oswego County Child Care & Development Council, we believe that you are the best person to choose a child care setting that will best meet the needs of your child.  Choosing care can be difficult.  It is important to carefully evaluate the program or family child care provider.  We strongly suggest that you visit as many programs as possible.  This will allow you to explore and compare the many options available.  The following is a guide you may use while visiting and evaluating the child care setting. 

The Child Care & Development Council referral service does not give recommendations or endorse any programs or providers listed for referral purposes.

Caregivers' Names

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Does the program/provider have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?

Does the program/provider have an emergency/evacuation plan and practice drills with the children?

Does the program/provider child proof the area: electrical outlets covered, stairways protected, poisons kept away from children, guns locked in cabinets.

Does the program/provider have access to a working phone, are emergency numbers posted?

Is the furniture and equipment safe and in good condition?

Does the program/provider have first aid supplies available?

Does the program/provider have a bathroom, wash area that is accessible to children?

Is the environment clean? (especially eating, diapering, and bathroom areas)

Does the program/provider encourage good health habits such as washing hands before eating, after toileting or outside play?

Does the program/provider have a policy to sleep infants on their backs?

Is the program/provider certified in medication administration, CPR, & First Aid?

ENVIRONMENT:

Does the program/provider have a safe place for infants to crawl and explore?

Does the program/provider have space indoors and out for active play: running, jumping, climbing?

Does the program/provider have a separate space for quiet times: homework, naptime?

Does the program/provider have equipment and supplies to accommodate the needs of various ages: blocks, books, games, toys, creative art materials?

Does the program/provider allow children to choose activities based on their own interests and abilities?

Does the program/provider have a space that is clean, bright and child friendly?

Is reading to the children part of the daily activities?  Do children watch TV?  How much and what?

CAREGIVER:

Are there enough adults for the group size and ages of children?

Does the caregiver attend trainings related to health and safety & child development?

Does the caregiver provide individual attention to each child?

Does the caregiver get down to the level of the children and engage in activities?

Does the caregiver appear to be warm, loving and nurturing?

POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Are parents responsible for giving medication or is the provider/program certified to give medications?

Were policies explained regarding illness, fees, discipline, hours, and any days on which the program will be closed?

Is there a written contract or handbook that explains policies?

Were child rearing issues discussed: feeding schedules, toileting, nap arrangements, infant sleep position?

Are nutritious meals provided? Does the provider participate in the CACFP food program?

Are children transported for any reason?  Who provides the car seats?  Is there a written permission form?

Are parents allowed to visit at any time?

Are references provided?

Will the program/provider share information regarding your child with you on a regular basis?  And how?