Page 15

13 Parents’ Guide to Selecting Quality Child Care | INITIAL CALL - QUESTIONS TO ASK A CHILD CARE PROVIDER Key questions to ask: □ What are your operating hours and flexibility (e.g., part-time or full-time care)? □ What are your caregiver-to-child ratios? □ What are the costs, including any additional or incidental fees (e.g., late pickup, meals, field trips)? □ Do you accept Child Care Assistance reimbursement? □ What curriculum or learning programs do you offer (if applicable)? □ Are you registered or licensed? What is your STAR Level? □ What is the experience or qualifications of the caregivers? □ How long have the caregivers been working in the program? □ What training do the caregivers have? □ How are discipline and safety handled? □ Is there an opening, or is there a waiting list? □ Who will be watching my child throughout the day? Will anyone I haven’t met be responsible for my child’s care at any point? □ Can I have a calendar that shows the days when you are closed? □ Are meals and snacks provided, or should my child bring a lunch? □ What does a typical day look like for my child? □ Do caregivers follow a daily schedule with specific activities? □ What is your program’s philosophy on child care and child development? □ Can I have a list of references—families whose children you’ve cared for? □ Do you have cameras or a video recording system that parents can access to observe their child’s? interactions throughout the day? QUESTIONS