Evaluating a Childcare Provider

When I returned to work after the birth of our first child, we opted to have an in-home childcare provider. Not only did we need care for our new baby, I also had two full time older stepchildren who needed care while my husband and I both worked. I advertised for a babysitter and hired an older woman, thinking she was the right choice for our needs. A few days after I had returned to work, I came home early, unannounced. My young stepdaughter and stepson were sitting on the front steps of the house. I asked them why they weren't inside where it was cool. They said that the babysitter locked them out during the day so that she could watch television.

If I had known to ask for, and check, references before I hired the woman, I would have known that she was a bad choice for a childcare provider, and never would have hired her. Whether you choose to hire someone for in-home childcare or use a childcare center, follow these guidelines to evaluate a childcare provider:

• Carefully and completely check work history, references, and complete a criminal background check, and ask for licenses and registrations.
• Ask questions about how the caregiver deals with a child who cries all day, or children who refuse to eat or take a nap.
• Spend an entire day with the caregiver, observing how your child and the child care provider interact with each other.
• Is the caregiver trained in CPR and first aid and involved in continuing education programs?
• Is the atmosphere welcoming, fun, and enthusiastic?
• Are there enough staff members to create a sufficient caregiver-to-child ratio?
• If your child has special needs are there staff members trained to meet those needs?
• Is the equipment and play area safe?
• Are there enough activities to keep your child challenged, while maintaining a balance of activity time and nap time?
• Discover the discipline practices and make your expectations about discipline clear.

The best evaluations of a childcare provider come from parents who currently use the caregiver's services. Ask the childcare provider for references and check them thoroughly. Drop in to the center unannounced and speak with parents who are there to pick their children up. Talk with your child and find out if he is happy with his childcare provider. Meet with your caregiver weekly to discuss problems or praise, and create a comfortable relationship for everyone—child, caregiver, and parent—with open communication.