• Do the children look happy, involved in activities and well cared for?
• Do teachers get on the child's eye level to listen, talk and play with the children?
• Do teachers give individual attention to each child?
• Are teachers warm, kind, calm and patient?
• Are there sufficient materials such as blocks, books, puzzles, art supplies and toys for all the children and are they available throughout the day?
• Are well planned activities such as music, painting and dress -up play provided for the children?
• Does the facility seen cheerful, clean and safe with equipment in good repair?
• Is handwashing and diaper changing done frequently?
• Is there adequate indoor space for play, naps, meals, belongings?
• Is the outdoor play area fenced, safe, well-equipped and supervised at all times?

Questions to ask:

• Is the program licensed? Accredited?
• Are refernces and background checks conducted on staff
• How many of the teaching staff have been employed in this facility or home for more than one year?
• Does the person who will be teaching your child have training in early childhood education, First Aid and CPR?
• How many chilren are there for each adult? (See the following ratios)

	Under one year - one adult to four infants
	One year olds - one adult to six toddlers
	Two year olds - one adult to eleven children
	Three year olds - one adult to fifteen children
	Four year olds - one adult to twenty children
	Five year olds and up - one adult to twenty-five children

• How many children are in your child's group (smaller group size is a quality indicator)
• Are there policies/procedures in place for dropping off and picking up children?
• Are ther policies/procedures in place to ensure that all children are present and accounted for during and following outdoor play, field trips, and other transition periods?
• Do teachers have written policies and procedures, including emergency plans, vacations, and substitutes?
• Are there written policies/inforation regarding: philosophy of education for young children; disicpline; on-going staff education/training; illness and injuries, napping; and toileting habits?
• Do teachers welcome parent visits any time of the day and encourage parent involvement?
• Are creative activities (e.g. music, art) offered? Are they included in the rate?
• Are meals/snacks provided? Are they included in the rate?
• What are the rates charged? Are there additional fees for registration, materials, field trips, etc.?
• Will your child be happy in this program?

Now that you have done your homework and some careful thinking, you are ready to make the choice. Remember, selecting and placing your child in an early learning program is just the beginning. You will want to talk to your new teacher often and make occasional visits to ensure that your child is safe and happy and that your decision was the right one.