Before you visit an Early Childhood Development & Education Program, preschool or child care center, phone for the following information:

*Openings in your child's age group.
*Location and operating hours.
*Description of program and philosophy.
*Weekly tuition charges.
*General policies (vacations, holidays, etc.)

When you and your child visit a preschool or child care center, observe:
Facility:
Is the center clean and well maintained?
Is there child-sized furniture, toys and equipment?
Is naptime supervised and of appropriate length?
Are the playground and outdoor equipment safe?
Are nutritious meals served in a friendly atmosphere?
Are medical records kept and emergency information posted?
Is there enough space inside and out and a place for each child's belongings?
Are hands washed (Children & Staff) for meals and after bathrooming?
May parents make unannounced visits?

Personnel:
Do the Director and staff seem to enjoy and understand young children?
Are children's success, creativity and problem-solving encouraged?
Does the staff use positive discipline techniques such as praise, distraction, redirection?
Is there a plan for learning and a record of growth and progress for each child?
Are child/staff ratio guidelines being met for each age group?
Do the Director and staff seem open to suggestion and willing to help?

Program:
Is there a typical daily schedule for your child's age group?
Is there a balanced of quiet and active activities?
Are self-help skills and social development encouraged?
Are there opportunities for music, movement and dramatic play?
Are child initiative, creativity and choice encouraged?
Is there sufficient, accessible, age-appropriate equipment?
Do the children appear happy and busy?
Are there procedures for accidents and illness?
Are references available?

When you are considering an Early Childhood Development & Education Program, resources to investigate include:


1. Friends, neighbors and co-workers who are pleased with their arrangements.
2. Local information and referral services and agencies.
3. Local licensing agencies.
4. Local newspaper, yellow pages advertisements and the internet.

Ask Questions
You know best the needs of your child and the type of service you want.
Open communication is essential in choosing a program for your child.