When you visit each program, take enough time to observe it carefully. Take a child care checklist with you and use it to guide your observations and questions. Safety and Health Issues Child care settings should be safe, and designed to encourage children to engage in different activities, both alone and with other children. Look for fences around outside play areas and wellconstructed playground equipment on a forgiving surface. Dangerous and toxic substances should be locked out of children's reach and electrical outlets and radiators should be covered.
Hand washing is the most important line of defense against the spread of infectious disease.
Children and adults should wash their hands before eating, after touching their mouths and noses and after toileting. In addition, staff should wash before feeding, handling food, diapering, and washing surfaces. The identity of the parent or guardian responsible for picking up the child should be well-established with the caregiver or provider. Look at Child Care from a Child's Perspective Look at the program from the perspective of your child. Listen for the sounds of children talking and playing.