Physical Facility, Health & Safety
___ The home is reasonably clean and orderly.
___ No children are seen with soiled diapers or training pants.
___ Detergents, cleaners and medicines are out of the children's reach.
___ Electrical outlets are covered with safety caps.
___ Household items like knives, scissors, curling irons,etc. are stored out
of the childrens reach.
___ Toys and equipment are in good condition with no sharp edges,
splinters, or loose parts.
___ There is a quiet area that can be darkened for napping with clean
bedding for each child.
___ The toileting area is easy for the children to access with potty chairs,
safe steps, or whatever is needed.
___ Adults do not smoke in the same room as the children.
___ There is a fenced outdoor play area in which the provider can see all
areas of the yard easily.
Caregiver Competencies
___ The caregiver spends time with the children rather than ignoring them
to carry out household duties or talk on the phone.
___ The caregiver provides individual attention when needed. For
example, an upset child is held, talked to, etc.
___ You can see the caregiver praising the children.
___ You can see the caregiver communicating effectively with the children,
explaining in clear steps what she/he wants the children to do,
answering the children's questions patiently, frequently bending or
kneeling down to the child's level when talking.
___ The children appear to be happy, comfortable, and relaxed - laughing,
smiling, and involved in play.
___ The children enjoy one another - smile at each other, hold hands, hug,
help each other more then they fight or argue.
___ The caregiver used the children's first names or nicknames when
talking to or about them. She/he does not refer to them by unpleasant
names.
___ The caregiver seems warm and affectionate with the children, smiling,
cuddling, and speaking pleasantly.
___ The caregiver encourages the children to do some things for
themselves, patiently giving them time, help and praise so that the
child can learn to master the skill.
___ The caregiver talks to infants, cuddles, and plays with them during the
day. Infants are not left alone for long periods of time.
___ The caregiver holds the infants when feeding them rather than
propping up their bottles.
Program Materials
___ Attractive and well written story and picture books are available for the
children to use.
___ The caregiver encourages listening and talking through planned
activities like story telling, word games, doll play, etc.
___ The home has materials for quiet play, such as puzzles, and active
play, such as riding toys.
Above all, trust your own judgment and feeling about the home. You know your child best and can tell which home will be the right one for your family.
What are the advantages of family home child care?
* There is a home like, nurturing atmosphere.
* There is less exposure to illness.
* Groups are small, with no more then 2 infants.
* The facility includes mixed ages which more closely mimics most families.
* There is low turnover with family child care providers. Experts say children
0 to 3 years of age should have the same provider.
* It is usually the least expensive child care option.
* Children have an opportunity to play and learn from others.
* They tend to close fewer holidays than daycare centers.
