Is the day care center licensed?
	Is the licensing permit current?
	What are the tuition payments? When are they due?
	Is an initial registration fee required?
	Are there extra charges for such things as meals or transportation?
	Are fees reduced if more than one child enrolls?
	Are deductions offered for periods of absence?
	Is financial assistance available?
	Is the center convenient?
	When is it open?
	Is safe transportation provided?
	What are admission requirements?
	Do the children seem happy, busy, and relaxed?
	What is the caregiver to child ratio? Federal guidelines for centers suggest no more than 1:3 for infants; 1:4 for toddlers; 1:8 for children aged 3 to 6.

Does the center have:

	carpeting, pads, and drapery to absorb extraneous noise?
	child-sized furniture?
	a cheerful, colorful atmosphere?
	ample toys and art materials?
	happy, "constructive" sounds?
	plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
	special areas for quiet and active play?
	safe, creative outdoor play equipment?
	a place to display children's work?

Caregiver:

Does the staff:

	welcome my questions and suggestions?
	hold regular parent/teacher conferences?
	share my childrearing philosophy?
	take time to share my child's experiences with me?
	seem to enjoy children?
	remain gentle, yet firm? consistent, yet flexible?
	have low turnover?
	sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
	respect each child's unique background and interests?
	guide rather than direct behavior?
	really listen and talk to the children?
	seem cheerful, affectionate, and warm?
	have training and experience in early child education?
	participate in continuing education programs?
	kneel or sit at child's eye level?
	spend individual time with each child?
	actively play with children, indoors and out?
	emphasize children's strengths and accomplishments?
	cultivate children's natural curiosity?
	handle discipline positively?
	establish and consistently maintain limits?
	have a sense of humor and acceptance?
	seem to be able to give all children quality attention and supervision?

Program:

Does the program help children develop physically by:

	providing daily outdoor activities where children use their whole bodies?
	offering indoor movement experience set to music?
	furnishing sturdy climbing and swinging apparatus?
	balancing active, physical activities with quiet, restful ones?
	providing ample rest and nap times?
	prohibiting play that could quickly get out of hand?
	maintaining an adequate staff/child ratio on the playground?

Does the program help children develop emotionally by:

	encouraging children to express themselves?
	patiently encouraging children to solve problems on their own?
	providing ample opportunities for children to feel good about themselves?
	helping children deal with feelings constructively?
	providing security through a well-defined, predictable schedule of daily activities?
	showing children how to help themselves as much as possible?

Does the program help children develop interpersonally by:

	providing give-and-take opportunities to share toys and equipment?
	balancing individual, small group, and large group activities?
	allowing children to pursue some activities without being disturbed by other youngsters?
	discouraging competitiveness by limiting the number of children participating in a particular activity, providing plenty of toys and materials, and overseeing sharing and turn-taking?

Does the program help children develop creatively and intellectually by:

	encouraging children to use art and play materials in their own way?
	providing plenty of time for children to complete their projects?
	fostering curiosity through opportunities to see new things and try out new ideas?
	nurturing self-expression through art, music, drama, and literature?
	providing plenty of "hands on" learning experiences?
	encouraging self-direction and self-pacing?
	furnishing an environment rich with science materials, books, building equipment, musical instruments, toy and art materials, props for dramatic play, natural materials like sand, water, and clay?
	balancing structured and unstructured activities?
	developing a sense of satisfaction over completing a task or thinking something through?
	designing graduated goals for each child?
	planning field trips or inviting special visitors?
	asking children themselves for ideas about programming?
	encouraging language development?

Health and Safety:

	What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
	What are the policies regarding illness? (e.g., Are parents contacted if another child has a contagious disease? Does caregiver have someone to substitute in case she gets sick?)
	Is a physician on call?
	Are medical records maintained?
	Is the staff trained in first aid?
	Does the center have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?
	Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
	Does the staff always know how to get in touch with both parents?
	Does your child receive constant supervision, indoors and out?
	Can all doors inside the center be opened from the outside at all times?
	Are the outside doors and windows locked?
	Do strong screens or metal bars cover the windows? (especially important above ground level)
	Do all glass doors have decals?
	Are the rooms well ventilated and comfortable year-round?
	Are the bathroom facilities clean and easily accessible to children?
	Are stairways and walkways free from clutter?
	Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
	Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, working appliances.)
	Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, first aid supplies.)
	Are the center and outdoor play area free from poisonous plants?
	Are hot radiators covered?
	Is your child kept away from dangerous places like the stove?
	Do all electrical sockets have protective covers?
	Has attention been paid to objects that could be pulled or knocked over? (Examples include tablecloths, electrical cords, lamps, furniture.)
	Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
	Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
	Do children get a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting?
	Do children seem safe with one another?
	Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
	Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for your child's level of development?

	Are snacks and meals tasty, attractive, and well balanced?
	Are menus varied and posted for my review?
	Are special diets and ethnic preferences given consideration?
	Is food served in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere?
	Does the center serve food I want my child to eat?
	Are healthy snacks served mid-morning and mid-afternoon?
	Are children allowed to leave food on their plates? (They should never be forced to eat.)
	Are portions small and second helpings available?
	Who plans the menus (dietician or other staff)?
	Is the kitchen clean?