Environment
- Good lighting
- Rooms occupied by children are clean, attractive, safe, roomy and comfortable
- Enough toys, games and materials so that children don’t have to wait to use them
- Space for each child’s belongings, including a change of clothing
- A safe outdoor play area, both shaded and open with a variety of age appropriate equipment free of hazards that offers space to run, tumble and play
- A book center with good picture books
- A parent information board
- Sturdy, child-size furniture
- Windows low enough for a child to look outside with appropriate safety barriers
- Games, arts and crafts, sports and dramatic play for children of all ages
- A separate crib cot or nap mat for each child
- Games, arts and crafts, sports and dramatic play for children of all ages
- A separate crib, cot, or nap mat for each child
- Quiet, dark and separate nap area
- Are pets present in the facility? If so, will this impact your decision?
Program
- A posted schedule of daily activities
- Good balance between planned activities that are age appropriate and time for free and active play
- Time for conversation, reading, listening to music, homework, or being alone
- Activities are interesting, fun and challenging where children can learn by doing and can succeed
- Children work cooperatively on projects and games to solve problems
- Children make music and/or listen to music, sing and laugh
- Infants, when not asleep, are out of the crib and included in age appropriate activities
- Caregiver (s) play with, sing to, hold, and cuddle each child often throughout the day
- Caregiver (s) meet regularly to plan and evaluate their program
Policies
- Up-to-date state license or registration is always posted
- Parents are actively involved, given opportunities to participate, and welcome to visit at any time
- Written discipline policy eliminating spanking, shaking, or hurting a child in any way
- Emergency procedures are posted
- Policy for handling sick children
- Holidays and hours of operation are clearly posted
Staff
- Warm, nurturing, friendly, accepting and patient
- Caregiver (s) with training and experience (regulated providers required 30 hours of training every 2 years; accredited programs have higher standards than State licensing regulations and usually a higher quality program)
- Director and head teacher with college level training in early childhood education (in a Day Care Center or School Age Child Care program)
- Caregiver (s) work as a team (what is their staff turnover? Low staff `turnover may indicate higher quality program since there has been stability and consistency in the program)
- Caregiver (s) comfort a sad or angry child in a loving way
- Caregiver (s) offer positive guidance when a child misbehaves
- Individual needs of children are being met
- Words of sincere praise and encouragement are given
- Caregiver (s) encourage children to learn new skills
- Caregiver (s) are energetic and in control, while being flexible and fun
Nutrition
- Well-balanced, nutritious meals
- Pleasant and sociable meal times
- Infants and toddlers are encouraged to feed themselves
- Caregiver (s) sit at table with children during meal times
- Infants held during bottle feeding, and are fed according to their needs and individual schedules
- Bottles are refrigerated until needed, and used promptly
- Left over formula discarded at the end of the day
- Program accommodates special diet needs
Parent Involvement
- Parents are allowed to visit any time
- Caregiver (s) inform parents about their children’ successes and about activities for the day (such as nap schedule, meals, etc)
- Parents may make suggestions about menus, activities and program
- Parents are encouraged to participate in the program
- A parent newsletter and/or bulletin board Parents Events occur on a regular basis
- Regularly scheduled parent meetings
Diaper and Toilet Routines
- Child-size toilets and sinks
- Diapers changed without delay after they are soiled, and infants are thoroughly cleaned after the dirty diaper is removed
- Changing table surface disinfected after each baby is changed
- Caregiver (s)’ and baby’s hands washed after changing each baby’s diaper
- Toileting begins only when the child is physically ready, interested and able to understand the process of using the toilet
- Parents involved in the decision to begin toilet training for their children
- Toilet training as a positive, pleasant part of toddler’s day
Health and Safety
- Children are supervised by care giver(s) at all times
- A first-aid trained staff member at the center at all times
- A smoke free environment (even when children are not present)
- A well maintained supply of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the facility
- Toys and equipment are clean, sanitized and in good repair (for example: free from sharp edges, splinters, paint chips and loose parts)
- A written health record is kept for each child
- Children will be released to another person only if you have given written permission in advance
- Area that is used for food preparation and eating is clean and sanitary
- Written procedures for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect by parents or caregiver (s)
- Written policy stating that medication will only be given to children by a care giver who is certified to administer medication
- Written policy for handling sick children
- Diapering/toilet areas clean, free from odor, well-ventilated and removed from the feeding area
- Pads and blankets changed and laundered daily or more often as needed
- All children and caregiver (s) wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and as needed throughout the day
Warning Signs
- The program does not encourage parents to visit or observe
- The children move about without any guidance or involvement for 30 minutes or more
- The caregiver (s) spend most of their time scolding or yelling at the children
* Be sure to check with other parents for references about a provider (s) or call the Regional Office for a history of violations, 716-847-3828. The website listed below can also be accessed for history on the provider as to whether the provider has had any compliance issues. Please note that you can obtain a copy of the NYS Child Care Regulations by contacting our office or visit the Office of Children and Family Services website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us.