Congregations Caring for Children

How is an infant fed? Is she or he held and cuddled with every bottle

feeding? Fed on her own schedule?

Does the provider encourage mothers to bring breast milk and stop in

throughout the day to breast feed their babies?

Is there a special outside play area for infants and toddlers?

What are the ages of the other children?

What is the provider's plan for dealing with separation and attachment issues

which happen during the first years of life?

Does the provider ask what each child likes and needs?

Does the provider read, sing, and provide toys that are appropriate for the

child's age?

Preschool care

Preschoolers need room to run, jump, climb, and socialize. Providers should

expose children to books, toys, art, music, and  share time,  which will help

them prepare for school without pushing them too much.

Some measures of quality to consider for preschool care:

Does the preschool's daily schedule meet parents' needs?

Do the providers interact with the children and stay close to observe them?

Do the providers get down to the level of the child? Is eye contact being

made?

Do the children respond in a positive way to the providers?

Are smiles exchanged?

With regard to art projects, does the provider believe that process or product

is the more important?

Are there creative materials for pretending so that the children can use their

imagination at all times?

How much climbing, running, or jumping will the children have each day?

Is correct language used?

When are books used? Is there a regular story time?

Is there a balance between active and quiet play?

Is there child sized equipment?

Are toys stored within easy reach of the children, or must they always ask an

adult?

How is toilet training handled?

Are children required to take a nap?

Are children encouraged to help with cleanup?

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