5 Ways to know you are choosing Quality Childcare

By Katina Kennedy

July 30, 2021

Search for home-based or center-based childcare @visit www.dfps.state.tx.us>childcare

When searching for your little's childcare there are 5 questions you should ask

before making the Big decision on a school or center.  We will get to these questions a little later in this post.

 First things first, never go with the first place you visit.   I suggest that you get referrals from a few trusted mom friends, research your top 3, then make appointments. Try to avoid popping in.  When you make an appointment it gives the impression that you are serious about this and allows the director time to prepare for your visit and to answer questions.

Do Your Research 

To investigate childcare centers and view their latest licensing inspection summaries visit www.dfps.state.tx.childcare licensing 

Or search your States dfps child care licensing website under the center or homes name/inspections.

Question 1: Safety

You want to ask about disinfecting practices and what sickness may prevent a child from attending.  Does the center or home have a dedicated place to keep children who get sick during the school day?  How will you be notified if there is a contagious outbreak?  And let's not forget to ask questions about sign out procedures, childcare provider background checks, and who is allowed to visit your child's classroom throughout the day.

A quality place for your little's will have a dedicated and safe check in and out procedure for their students. In addition they will submit state and federal background checks on all personal, and have records for your review upon request.

Question 2:  Diversity 

High-Quality Programs have a diverse group of families, staff, and partners.

Question 3: Curriculum and Materials 

Ask if the school or home offers a specific and age-appropriate learning curriculum.  Are there materials in the classroom that challenge students?  

 While you are taking a tour, glance around for writing opportunities for children such as pens, crayons, pencils, and paper. High-Quality childcare will include a designated area for students to write with a variety of materials.

Notice if children are reading and if there are spaces created for story time, or read alone times. Various books and reading opportunities

will be visible.  You might want to ask to visit the Library or reading Center.  Books should be diverse and offer artistic expression.

Question 4:  Play

Look and Listen for music being played, and movement activities.  Listen for Teachers who are engaging in  discussions with students and asking  open-ended  questions.  Ask about indoor and outdoor motor skill and play materials.  The NAEYC says that young children learn best through play. Tour the play area and notice if it appears clean and safe.  Listen for laughter and children who are interacting with friends. Most of all look for children who are having fun.

Ask about celebrations and Family Inclusion

A high quality childcare home or center will celebrate holidays and birthdays.  Parents will be invited to participate by contributing supplies, volunteering, and attending.

Question 5:  Nurture and Discipline 

Children enjoy independence and autonomy, but they also crave a caretaker who is nurturing and warm. When touring the center or home look for teacher and student interaction.

It is ok to make a list of topics that you want to discuss during your visit with the director of the program.  Make sure that you ask about discipline policies and practices. Be transparent  with your expectations.  And most importantly, listen to your Mommy instincts.

Visit the National Association of Education of Young Children for updated childcare information and a list of accredited NAEYC child-care programs at https://families.naeyc.org

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.  We would love to hear from you. Xoxo, Vivian+Grace