Families must make an appointment to visit and observe a program. It may be best to conduct your initial visit with the provider without your child. After touring the facility, be sure to spend time observing the class your child with be attending. Take that opportunity to speak with the staff who will be directly involved in your child's care. For toddlers and older children, a second visit should be scheduled that includes your child.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DIRECTOR AND TEACHERS WHEN VISITING A PROGRAM:
• What is the total enrollment?
• Are children grouped by age and how many will be in my child's group?
• How many teachers are assigned for my child's group?
• What would a typical day be like for my child?
• How long has the center been in operation and what is the staff turnover?
• What are the center's qualifications for staff?
• Do teachers have ongoing training?
• How will we communicate about my child (notes, meetings, daily/weekly reports, and conferences, etc.)?
• What is your discipline policy?
• What is your toilet training policy?
• What are your hours of operation?
• What are your fees and what does it include?
• Will you provide current references to call?

OBSERVATIONS WHEN VISITING A CENTER:
• Do children receive individual attention?
• Does the center seem safe?
• Is there enough room for children to play both indoors and outdoors?
• Is there a variety of age appropriate activities?
• Do the children enrolled seem happy?

ASK YOURSELF:
• Are you comfortable with the answers you've received and with what you have observed?
• Are you comfortable with staff, specifically those who will have direct contact with your child?
• Will your child do well with the group of children at this program?
• Do the references you received from the center check out? Child Care