Questions to ask about the environment

Are you comfortable with the cleanliness of the facility?
All programs should have a standard method of cleaning and sterilizing toys, such as using a bleach and water solution, or some other type of cleaning product that has been approved for use in a child care setting.  Toys should be sterilized at a minimum of once per week. Toys that are available should be safe for that child’s age group and not damaged.  The setting should be smoke free and pet free when children are present.

Does the area appear safe for children?
Have safety measures been put into place, such as securing shelves to the wall, safety gates to keep children out of certain areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Outlet covers should be present on all electrical sockets and latches should be inside every cabinet door and drawer. Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors should also be present. Facilities should have menus, emergency plans, daily activities, and whether or not they carry liability insurance posted within their facility.  Parents should be provided with a copy of the facility’s policies and procedures.

How does the outdoor area appear?
Providers should have fenced in areas for the children to play in with equipment that allows children to climb, jump, run, balance, etc.  Children should NEVER be left unsupervised at any time, whether they are inside or outside. 

Does the indoor environment have areas created that allow for a variety of activities?
The indoor environment should have areas set up that allow children to play freely, such as centers allowing craft time, dramatic play, reading, and other activities allowing for creative play. The curriculum used by providers should incorporate learning through play. As a parent, when you first observes this type of environment, it may appear to be chaotic. However, young children learn best through activities that are set up to encourage play and imagination.

Does the area have child size furniture or equipment?
Many centers will have child size furniture and equipment.  However, any program that does not have child sized equipment should have equipment available that will adapt to make things the appropriate size for children to use. Toys appropriate for your child’s age should also be available and at children’s level. Please see examples of age-appropriate toys under your child’s age group listed in this handout.