Selecting a Child Care Site

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To find a quality day care site you need to look for several things. Not only does it involve care in a friendly, loving, and warm environment, but the care should also promote your child's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth.

The physical environment of the care site is very important since your child may be spending up to 10 hours there every day. A clean, comfortable atmosphere is desirable. Surroundings should encourage learning and individuality as well as provide enough space for playtime and rest.

Just because your child is in day care doesn't mean he or she needs to be deprived of proper care and opportunities to learn and grow. You can find a child care site that promotes your child's learning and growth in many areas. To do this, the atmosphere, space, and facilities need to permit a number of activities (both indoors and outdoors) that are appropriate for your child at his or her age and developmental stage.

You should keep both your child's age and developmental stage in mind when visiting a site. This will help you evaluate the site's potential in meeting your child's needs as he or she develops.

A visit to a child care site is highly recommended whether the site is a family care home or a child care center. On your visit, you should observe and examine a number of factors including the activities and equipment offered, the physical space provided, and the level of safety and sanitation followed. The following information summarizes some of the important things to look for.

Indoor Spaces

It is suggested that 35 square feet per child be available. The space should be free of hazards (for example, matches, knives, plastic bags, etc.). Stairways need gates and railings and doors need locks and latches, especially where hazardous items are stored.

Look for spaces that are well lit, both naturally and artificially. Heating and ventilation systems should provide constant temperatures around 68° F.

Electrical outlets and cords should be covered or shielded. Look for emergency exits in case of a fire, and for fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Is an operable telephone and first aid kit easily accessible?

Outdoor Spaces

Fifty to 75 square feet per child is recommended to allow ample room for kids to learn and grow. Children need lots of room to run, jump, and move around freely. There should also be some shady spots as well as some sunny ones.

Sanitation

The site should be free of dirt, rubbish, peeling paint, insects, and vermin (both indoors and outdoors). Ask to see if the site has been tested or inspected for lead, asbestos, and radon. Is the area tobacco-free if this is your preference?

Ask about the water supply. Municipal water should be satisfactory. Private well water needs to be tested annually. Hot water should not be hotter than 120° F.

Is the kitchen and/or food preparation area clean? Is it a pleasant place to eat? Is there ample storage for food, utensils, and pots and pans? Is there space for a child who becomes sick and needs care until the parent can come?

Do pets live in the home? If so, are they in good health, housed properly, and inoculated? Is excrement inaccessible?

Age/Stage Needs

The following describes the basic needs of three of the basic age/developmental stages of children.

Newborns and infants. Needs are simple at this stage—crib or playpen, infant seat or high chair, waterproof mattress, rug, changing table, diaper pail, etc. Soft, cuddly, easily washed items that are safe and in good condition are also necessary.

Toddlers. Needs are similar to those of newborns and infants, but also include a safe place to crawl and room to take those first steps. Most toddlers play alone. Look for easy ways for them to move from one space to another.

Preschoolers. Needs include more space. Play spaces should also be varied and include room for activity as well as rest. Storage space is needed for personal items. A child-size toilet or potty chair and a way to wash their own hands are also necessary. Preschoolers work individually, in small groups, and begin to like larger groups too. Children need toys and materials designed to enhance their development. Some providers arrange their spaces into activities such as:

Creative/Aesthetic—includes space for an easel, table, waterbased opaque paint, large color crayons, clay, newsprint, paste, textile, and wood.

Intellectual—includes space for games, books, puzzles, paper, pencils, plants, pets, measuring cups and spoons.

Dramatic Expression—includes space for dress-up clothes, blocks, puppets, and puppet theater.

Large Muscle—includes space for large boxes, pillows, large wheel toys, balls, swing, and slide.

Motor Skills—includes space for game, interlocking forms, blocks, trikes, bikes, and wagons.

Sensory—includes space for toys and activities to stimulate the senses of smell, speech, hearing, and touch.

There are many legal requirements that licensed day care homes and centers must follow. Refer to the factsheet entitled "Licensed Child Care: What Does It Mean for My Child?" for more information on licensing, and to the factsheet entitled "Child Care Options" for a discussion on the choices available to you.

Selecting a quality day care center or home is never simple. If possible, it is a good idea to visit more than one child care site. When visiting a center, take your child with you if you can, and go when the center is open and full of busy children.

The following checklist can be used to evaluate each child care site.

Child Care Site Checklist

Setting

• Is the building in good condition?
  
  
• Are the rooms large and uncluttered?
  
  
• Are spaces clean, fresh, bright, and cheery as well as functional?
  
  
• Is there child-sized furniture?
  
  
• Are outdoor and indoor spaces available?
  
  
• Is there room to jump, run, and move around freely?
  
  
• Are there quiet corners as well as other activity areas?
  
  
• Are there individual storage areas for each child?
  
  
• Are temperature and humidity levels comfortable?
  
  
• Are there pleasant and appropriate eating areas?
  
  

Safety

• Is there an alternative exit outside?
  
  
• Are areas flee of sharp or jagged edges?
  
  
• Is furniture stable and secure?
  
  
• Are harmful substances securely stored?
  
  
• Is the bathroom easily accessible for handwashing and use of the toilet?
  
  
• Are spaces well lit?
  
  
• Is fresh air provided free of odors, and tobacco?
  
  
• Is the environment free of asbestos, lead, and radon?
  
  
• Are there heat covers on the radiators?
  
  
• Are there covers on electrical outlets when they are not in use?
  
  
• Is there a smoke detector in each appropriate area?
  
  
• Are there soft surfaces around playground equipment?
  
  
• Are equipment and toys in good condition?
  
  
• Are first-aid supplies readily available?
  
  
• Are outdoor play areas secure and/or fenced?
  
  
• Is there an appropriate garbage disposal system?
  
  
• Is the food preparation area clean?
  
  

University of Minnesota Extension Service
University of Minnesota
College of Human Ecology

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This information is intended to help parents make the best decision about the selection of child care for their family. The University of Minnesota Extension Service does not recommend any particular providers or any specific type of care.

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