What Questions to Ask When Visiting A Provider

Before making a selection visit several providers. Download this check-off list to compare the places you see. If you have any questions, please contact our Child Care Resource and Referral Specialists at:

(609)267-7674 or 888-554-2077.
Hours:  Monday through Friday, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm.

• Is the current license posted?
• Is area clean and child-proofed?
• Is the outdoor play area fenced in with a variety of climbing and ride-on-toys?
• Is the provider to child ratio adequate?
• Do the children and providers wash their hands before touching food, after diapering, toileting and coming in from outside?
• Is the food nutritious and provided under sanitary conditions?
• Are the toys developmentally appropriate and in good condition?
• Is a daily schedule posted?
• Is there a written policy for administering medication and caring for sick children?
• Are the same caregivers with the children throughout the day?  Children benefit when they are cared for by the same individual.
• Is there a good balance between active play and quiet time?  Are the children read to everyday?
• Is the curriculum child-centered, allowing the child the opportunity to explore, discover and learn through play?
• Do providers make eye contact when speaking to a child?  Do children and adults talk to each other?
• Can parents visit any time?  Are parent conferences held?
• Are children happy and treated with respect?
• Is the program’s discipline policy consistent with your ideas?
• Does the staff participate in on-going trainings and professional development?  Do providers hold degrees in early childhood education?
• Does the provider have experience and education in child care?  Who is in charge when the provider is absent?
• Did you enjoy visiting and like the providers?
• Is the provider accredited by a national organization, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC)?  Accreditation signals a higher level of quality.