Child Care Checklist

Use this checklist to assist you in your search for quality child care. This checklist will not only give you an idea of some questions you may want to consider when interviewing or visiting potential providers, but it will also give you guidelines to know what answers to look for. 

Call first and ask...

• Is there an opening for my child?
  Although we try to provide you with referrals for providers that have openings, occasionally a provider will have recently filled a spot in their facility and we have not been updated. 
   
• What hours and days are you open and where are you located?
  This agency tries to give you referrals as close to the area you have requested as possible.  Keep in mind that some requirements, such as weekend or extended care, may limit the number of referrals. Programs that offer extended and weekend care are limited.  
   
• How much does care cost? 
  The cost of each program varies according to the county the provider resides in, as well as the age of your child and the provider’s experience and education level.  A range has been provided for you to view in the comparison section of this handout.  Keep in mind that higher quality often means higher prices, but this is not always the case.  Investigate the program thoroughly before making your decision.
   
• Do you have financial assistance available?
  Some providers offer multi-child discounts, sliding fee scales, accept child care vouchers from  DFCS, or offer scholarships to families.
   
• How many children are in your care and what are their ages?
  See the  required state ratios and nationally recommended ratios for each type of program.
   
• Do you provide transportation?
  Some programs do offer transportation, however; this service may be limited to only a few     locations.  Determine your needs before calling providers.
   
• Do you provide meals?  Are you a part of the USDA food program? 
  The USDA food program sets guidelines as to what types of meals and snacks can be served to children in care. The provider is reimbursed for a portion of the food costs for serving these nutritious snacks and meals.
   
• Is the program licensed or registered by BFTS or some other regulatory agency?  If not, what requirements  do they meet to be exempt?
  Recent monitoring reports for all licensed and registered facilities can be viewed at  www.decal.ga.gov Family child care homes are registered with the state while child care centers and group child care homes are licensed with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Staff from each type of program are required to receive a  minimum of 10 hours of training per year. A minimum of 50% of the staff are required to have CPR  and First Aid Training.  Exempt programs, such as Mothers Morning Out and summer camps often create their own guidelines.  Ask about the requirements of staff members. You may also ask the provider if any additional steps have been taken to go above and beyond minimum state requirements to achieve some type of state or national accreditation or certification.
   
• Make an appointment to visit the program. 
  If the provider sounds as if they are someone you are interested in meeting, make an appointment. It is best if you make your first appointment with a family care provider when children are not present in the home. Keep in mind that if children are present, the provider should focus his/her  attention on  the children in the home.  If possible make a second drop in visit in which your child can also take part in the selection of the child care facility.