Congregations Caring for Children

Points to consider in measuring the quality of family child care:

Environment: Is the home clean and safe? Are latches on cabinets, plugs on

outlets? Are the stairs, fireplace, and windows child proofed? Are there any

physical concerns, such as a pool or unused cars or equipment in the backyard?

Does the provider keep firearms in the home? If so, are they locked up and stored

away from reach? Are there plenty of interesting and age appropriate toys and

materials for the children to play with? Does the provider offer a preschool

program or help prepare a child for school? Does the provider offer transporta 

tion to and from school? If the provider transports children, is the provider

trained on car seat and vehicle safety? How is the provider's driving record?

Values: What are the provider's philosophy and values? How does the pro 

vider discipline children? How does the provider individualize learning activi 

ties, nap, mealtime, and toilet training?

Communication: Does the caregiver share information with parents on how

their child is doing? Can a parent visit at any time?

Experience: How long has the caregiver provided child care? What type of

education does she have? What is the caregiver's past history?

Operation: What hours does the provider operate? Does this provider offer

evening, early morning, or weekend hours? What age and how many children

will the provider care for? What is the staff to child care ratio the home must

follow? Does the caregiver have children at home? Are the children counted in

the ratio?

Location: Where is the home? Is it close to parents' work, home, and health

care provider?

Cost: What are the monthly fees? Late fees? Registration fees? Is there a

vacation or sick leave credit when a child is out?

Back up plan: What is the provider's back up plan? When does the provider

go on vacation or take personal holidays? What types of experience do the assis 

tant or substitute caregivers have?

Adapted from Your Guide to Child Care by the Care About Quality campaign,

California Department of Education/Child Development Division.

60