Finding quality childcare

Finding quality child care A guide for parents in Canada

child care

• Health and safety

• (In a centre or other regulated setting) - The license is posted in a visible place

• The centre/home is clean and in good repair.

• Doors to outside or to unsafe areas (e.g. a garage or parking area) are secure

• Balconies are locked and off limits, there are gates on stairwells and windows are securely fastened 

• Staff/caregivers and children wash their hands before meals and after toileting or diapering

• Toys are disinfected on a regular basis (daily for infants and toddlers)

• There are clear routines in case of an emergency such as fire, evacuation or accident

• Procedures about children’s allergies (such as food) are clearly stated and observed

• There are clear routines for giving children needed medications at child care

• Cleaning products, medications or implements are stored safely

• If meals are provided, menus are posted, and the food is nutritious and appealing

• When children leave the premises (to go to the library or park, for example), they are well supervised  

• Outdoor space is clean, well-maintained and available

• Cribs/ playpens and other equipment meet current safety standards

• Each child has his/her own crib (infants/toddlers), cot and/or bedding/pillow/blanket for sleeping

• Staff/caregiver has up-to-date first aid training (CPR is desirable)

• Parents are aware of the presence and roles of all adults on the child care premises (including family members)

• The number of children in the home/group/room (at a minimum) meets the provincial / territorial standard

• Environment, materials and programming

• Parents are regularly provided with information about the daily schedule and programming, as well as about their child’s day and activities 

• (If the child care setting is multi-age): There are activities, equipment and materials suited to children of different ages

• Children have access to a variety of kinds of age-appropriate equipment and materials

• Activities emphasize play and exploration through group and individual activities

• Children have considerable opportunity for active play, much of it outdoors. 

• The child care environment is set up in a safe, accessible and interesting way (for example, children can use materials freely)

• Children are not overly controlled or programmed; at the same time, they are not wandering around aimlessly 

• Children are engaged with the materials and environment, they look busy, content and relaxed. 

• There are displays of children’s work and documentation of activities  

• Diversity – racial, ethnic, gender, ability – is well represented in materials, visually and in programming. 

• The space is organized to make transitions (from indoors to outdoors, or from active play to lunchtime) smooth 

• There is a welcoming, warm atmosphere for parents 

• There is at most limited use of TV or other passive technology

• Staff/caregiver

• Staff/caregivers have education or training related to working with young children; at a minimum, provincial/territorial training requirements are met by the centre or home 

• The staff/caregiver engages in professional development or information sharing with others in early childhood education on an ongoing basis 

• Staff/caregivers can provide a police reference check. (this is likely to be a requirement in a centre or regulated home setting) 

• In a home setting, caregivers can provide references 

• Staff/caregivers have a clearly defined approach to education and caring 

• Staff/caregivers treat children with respect, listen to them and respond to them sensitively  

• Staff/caregivers encourage co-operation, problem-solving and independence in the children 

• Staff/ caregiver welcomes parents into the child care environment at any time; there is an “open door” policy 

• There is a plan for staff/caregiver replacement in the event of their illness or other absence

• (In a centre): Staff communicate with each other in a positive and respectful manner (the program seems to have a good working environment)

• (In a centre): All staff (and practicum students, if they are present) are acknowledged and introduced to visitors in a respectful way 

• Overall program 

• A policy manual or policy document is available to parents 

• Goals and objectives for children and parents are articulated 

• Parents are involved or consulted about the program or other aspects of the child care

• If children with special needs are enrolled: Is the approach fully inclusive ?

• Good to know...

• Is the child care centre a not-for-profit organization? For-profit? Publicly-operated? Who’s responsible for it – A parent board? A community board? A municipal government? An owner? A company? If there is a “head office”, where is it? 

• How often, and how, are parents expected to participate in centre or home activities? 

• What are the hours of operation?

• How much are the fees? When are fees due? Are receipts issued for payment of fees?

• Is there an extra charge for bringing a child early or arriving later than usual to pick up the child?

• Can the centre/home accept fee subsidies from the provincial/territorial government?

• Is there a deposit (to be on the waiting list?) ? If so, is it refundable?

• (In a family child care home): Is it supported by a family child care agency or regularly inspected by the provincial/territorial government (i.e. is the child care home regulated)?