Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Arrange to visit several centers and family childcare providers.  Visit more than once if you can.  When you visit, look for...

• Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions between caregiver and children.
• Children who are happily involved in daily activities and receiving individual attention.
• A clean, safe environment, especially napping, eating and toileting areas.
• A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks and climbing equipment that your child will find interesting.
• Is there adequate space and enough toys for the number of children in care?

• Can I visit my child without calling first?
• How do you handle discipline?
• What do you do if a child is sick?
• What would you do in an emergency?
• Have you had CPR and First Aid?  When?
• Have all the children been immunized?
• Tell me about your substitute or back-up caregiver?
• Do you have a written contract?
• Do you have an accreditation or certification?
• How do you communicate with parents about your program?  (newsletter, bulletin board, etc.)
• Where do children nap?  Do you know babies should sleep on their back?
• What training have you (and other staff/substitutes) had?
• May I see a copy of your permit or license?
• Do you participate in the USDA Food Program?
• May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have used your care to call for references?