Finding quality child care A guide for parents in Canada

(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

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/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 

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 ?

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)?