Carousel Cottage - Clarksville, TN - Children Learn By Doing

Checklist
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Quality Checklist

Use this checklist to help you evaluate the best childcare program for your child. Answer yes or no to the following questions:
•	How will you promote my child's health and nutritional needs?
•	Are all areas cleaned regularly by a professional cleaning service?
•	Are toys and materials disinfected on a regular basis?
•	Are consistent, classroom-specific efforts made to limit illnesses from spreading?
•	Do caregivers wash hands after diapering, toileting, blowing noses, and before handling food?
•	Are medications stored out of the reach of children and administered properly?
•	Does the facility serve nutritious snacks and meals? Are menus posted?
•	Do caregivers sit with children at mealtimes to model appropriate manners, interactions, nutritious choices, and the positive social nature of mealtimes?
•	How will you respond if my child behaves in inappropriate ways?
•	Is positive guidance used as the guiding philosophy in the classroom?
•	Do parent participation and communication play an integral role in the guidance process?
•	Are disruptive reactions responded to quickly and with understanding to maintain a positive atmosphere in the classroom?
•	Will my child be safe?
•	Is the environment clean, safe, and oriented to children?
•	Is there an open door policy that encourages parents to visit the facility at any time?
•	Do teacher/child ratios meet or exceed state requirements?
•	Is there a security system in place that restricts access of strangers to the facility?
•	Are there well-defined written emergency procedures in place?
•	Are thorough reference checks conducted on all staff members at the time of hire?
•	Is there a strict and enforced policy in place for releasing children to people other than their parents/guardians?
•	Does the program include a quality management system that monitors specific criterion in support of consistent high-quality education and care for children?
•	How will you promote my child's self-esteem, confidence and independence?
•	Will my family's cultural values be respected and incorporated in the curriculum?
•	Are children encouraged to challenge themselves and try new things?
•	Do children receive positive reinforcement for accomplishing goals?
•	Does the program have a new child orientation program in place?
•	Who will take care of my child and what will my child do all day?
•	Do the children in the program seem relaxed and happy?
•	Are children offered a variety of meaningful learning choices throughout the day?
•	Are field trips offered for preschool and school age children?
•	Do professional resource people, training, and materials support caregivers?
•	Are there activities and learning programs that are developmentally appropriate and geared to the needs of children of different ages, abilities, and learning styles?
•	Are caregivers involved with children in a variety of roles: direct instruction, facilitation, cooperative learning, etc?
•	Is there frequent and consistent communication between staff and parents regarding the developmental progress of children, as well as regularly scheduled conferences?