Child care

CHILD CARE DECISIONS

Good choices impact your child’s future By Cara Johnson-Bader

Choosing child care is one of the • Does the school have a policy or philosophy most important decisions you will on guidance and discipline? ever make for your child. Research Health & Safety and Physical increasingly tells us that the first Environment years of a child’s life are critical to shaping his • Are the children properly supervised at all or her future health and development. High- times? quality child care and education in the early • Are policies and procedures in place to years can make a positive difference for the keep children safe (entrance security system, future of your child. By making a thoughtful handwashing policies, administration of decision now, you can help your child develop medication policy, etc.)?the skills needed to be successful in school. • Are classrooms clean, safe, and hazard-free?

To help you make the best decision for • Do the meals and snacks meet USDA Child your child, researchers have identified quality Cara Johnson-Bader and Adult Food Program guidelines?indicators with information on what to look for and ask about to find out if the program you are considering Teacher Qualifications will be a safe, healthy, nurturing, learning environment for • Do the teachers have experience in caring for children and a your child. Below is a handy checklist to assist you in finding minimum of an early childhood credential or higher degree? the best program for your family. • Are the teachers expected to receive ongoing professional Interactions • development and training? Does the school have long-term staff and teachers • Are the teachers affectionate, responsive, and sensitive to employed?the children?