Algonquin 847-854-5900 Lake Barrington 847-382-8900 Schaumburg 847-895-2900 Resources General Information Medical Devices Handouts New Patient Forms Child-Care Checklist Choosing good child care is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Use this checklist to be sure you've picked a provider that offers quality care. When visiting a child - care facility, ask the following questions: Is the center licensed or registered with the local government?If so,ask to see a copy of the latest inspection report. Can you visit the center during operating hours before registering your child? Once your child is registered, will you be able to visit at any time? Is there a written daily schedule that includes all activities? Is there indoor and outdoor play, and are children always supervised? Is TV viewing limited to short times and appropriate programming? Does the center offer parenting classes or other family support? Is each child assigned to one caregiver? Who is primarily responsible for her care? Is there a written discipline policy? Is smoking banned from the facility? Are there written policies for the care of sick children? Will the caregivers give prescribed medication to your children? Does a pediatrician or nurse serve as a consultant for the program? Do staff members have training in child development? Have workers received up-to-date first-aid and CPR training? How long have the caregivers been there? Can you get recommendations from parents who use the program? Can you modem in securely and view your child over the web via streaming video? e.g. toddlerwatch.com (click here) Look for the following at a child-care Facility: There is one adult for every three children under age two, one adult for every four children ages 25 to 30 months, one adult for every five children ages 31 to 35 months, one adult for every seven children three years of age, and one adult for every eight children four and five years of age at a child-care center. If all children are under two years of age in family child care, there should be no more than three children, including those of the caregiver. If all children are under three years of age, there should be no more than four children. The staff enjoy the children, and the children appear to be happy. The facility is bright and well-ventilated. Equipment is clean and safe. There is enough indoor space for the number of children present. (A clear area measuring 35 square feet per child is ideal.) Each child has his own cot, crib, or mat to sleep on, and three feet of space between each one. The toilets and sinks are clean and easy for children to reach. Children can also reach clean towels, liquid soap, and toilet paper. There is a diaper-changing area and sink well within the care giver's reach. The children have a cubby, locker, or other place for their belongings. Infants are fed sitting up, with an adult present during meals and snacks. There are enough age-appropriate toys available. There is an outdoor play area free of sharp edges, pinch points, sharp rocks, and ditches. There is impact-absorbing material, such as wood chips, rubber mats, or loosely packed sand, in outdoor areas where children are likely to fall. Adults supervise outdoor play. Your first reaction to the program is that it would be a good, loving, and safe haven for your child. Child - Care Aware This nonprofit organization can provide you with the phone number of the Child Care Resources and Referral Agency (CCR&R) closest to your home. Your local CCR&R can give you the names, phone numbers, licensing verification, and financial information for child-care options in your area. Call (800) 424-2246 for more information. Checklist adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics brochure "Child Care: What's Best for Your Family?" ©Children & Teens Medical Center 2006