From safety and staffing to accreditation, here's what to look for — and where to start your search — when choosing child care for your family.
Selecting child care outside the home can be a time-consuming and overwhelming activity for parents. There are many questions to ask and answers to find before making this very important choice. What are some of the things you want and need for your child – and yourself? What guidelines should you keep in mind when seeking a home away from home for your young child?
High-quality child care: What to look for
1. Safety: Your child's safety is the top priority. A high-quality child care environment, whether in someone's home or in a classroom, is set up in an organized way so that children are able to move comfortably. Indoor areas are well-defined and stocked with appropriate materials to be used. The outdoor area is enclosed in such a way that children cannot go beyond the boundary and is located away from traffic. In both scenarios, adults are stationed (and move when necessary) so that children are visible and heard at all times.
An important component of safety is cleanliness. A clean environment is healthy and safe for children and adults. Look for an accessible sink (or sinks) with soap and paper towels for handwashing; accessible toilets and/or a diaper-changing station; designated locations for dirty/soiled materials for cleaning.
2. Security: A flexible daily routine or schedule is generally posted so that parents and visitors will see what a typical day is like. Children need to know what to do and when/where to do it. They will learn that there are times during the day when all of the children will be with an adult — such as group times, story times and meals. At other times, they may choose independent activities and work with friends. Consistent routines help children feel safe (they know what is coming next) and secure (they know that they are cared for).
3. Nurturing Staff: Adults who work with and care for children interact with children and show interest in what they are doing. They engage in dialogue by asking open-ended questions, demonstrating empathy and allowing children to express themselves. They label emotions so that children associate words with "big" and, sometimes, scary feelings. Adults model how to communicate with each other and with children and teach children how to advocate for themselves in a positive, verbal way.
4. Age/Level Appropriate Materials: High-quality child care environments offer a variety of hands-on materials for children to explore and use throughout the day: puzzles, manipulatives, art/writing materials, building blocks, dress-up clothing and props, books, musical instruments and puppets. There are quiet areas and noisy/active areas in the setting. An important area to look for and ask about is a "cool down" or "chill out" area where children can go when feeling overwhelmed or needing some alone time. This quiet spot can have "feelings" and breathing strategy pictures, books and squishy toys to help the child calm down.
5. Positive Discipline: Discipline is an important way for adults to teach and for children to learn. It is not punishment. Young children are learning how to function in the world. They will test boundaries and make mistakes. Adults are "firm and friendly" when setting limits. They assure children, when they make mistakes, that there will be other opportunities to try again. Children are not shamed or blamed. Rather, when everyone is calm, a conversation takes place about what happened and how the situation could be handled differently next time. Kids may need comforting and to know that it is OK to make mistakes and always appropriate to ask for help when needed.
6. Accreditation: Many child care programs go through a process of accreditation so that families know that their child will receive high-quality care. The curriculum that is used is based on research showing its effectiveness with young children. There is a strong family and community connection. Staff who work with children are trained and provided with opportunities to enhance their careers with professional development.
The decision to place your child in a program that you feel comfortable about is very important. Take time to investigate and visit sites. Find out who the caregivers are and what is being offered to the children. Meet and talk with parents to get their insights. It's an exciting time for your family; you want your child to grow, learn and thrive!
Where to look in the greater DC area
- DC Child Care Connections
- Montgomery Child Care Association
- Child Resource Center
- Arlington DHS Child and Family Services
- Fairfax County early childhood programs and services
Donna Sawyer is a parent educator and facilitator for the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) Family Resiliency Program. For more information about PEP's parenting programs, go to pepparent.org.
