CHILD CARE CENTERS AT UNIVERSITY LOCATIONS
The Bennett Family Center and Child Development Lab (University Park)
Duck Hollow Learning and Discovery Center (Fayette)
Stepping Stone Inc. (Harrisburg)
The Behrend Child Care Center (Behrend)
The College of Medicine (Hershey)
Daybridge Child Development Center at Innovation Park
Link: http://www.ohr.psu.edu/WorkLife/CareCenterLoc.cfm
CHILD CARE CHECKLIST
From: Penn State Work/Life Programs (http://www.ohr.psu.edu/WorkLife/CheckList.cfm)
How to Choose a Program
Choosing a child care program can be a challenge. When selecting a program, visit at a time of day when the children should be active, such as in the morning. Take your child along and do nothesitate to ask questions! Review and use this checklist as a guide, but do not expect to find everything listed here. Choose the program with which you are most comfortable.
Look For:
Staff
Present children with respect, flexibility, and patience
Are able to meet your child's developmental and emotional needs
Are of a sufficient number to meet the needs of the children
Take time to discuss your child with you
Practices good personal hygiene
Have previous experience or training in working with children
Facility
Safe indoor and outdoor areas and equipment
Orderly, clean play areas
Airy rooms with bright colors
Sanitary bathrooms and diaper changing areas
Health and Safety
Comfortable temperatures summer and winter
Rounded table corners, other furniture safety features
Non-toxic play materials
First aid kit
Healthy snacks and/or meals
Clean kitchen area
Handwashing after toileting and before meals, snacks
Separate cribs for infants
Separate cots/mats for others
Cleaning materials, medicines, out of reach of children
Program
State mandated staff:child ratios
Infants (1:4), Young Toddlers (1:5) Older Toddlers (1:6), Preschoolers (1:10)
Creative play
Plenty of play materials
Plenty of educational materials
Organized program of activities
Supervised rest time
Minimal, supervised TV, if any
Stories read
General
A license or certificate from the PA Department of Education and/or
A license or certificate from the PA Department of Public Welfare
Rules are clearly explained
Positive behavior encouraged
Parental visiting encouraged
Children allowed to get dirty naturally through play
No children "left out"
Lots of laughing, caring, and sharing
HAPPY children!!
Ask the Questions
May I drop in anytime?
May I participate in program planning?
May I take part in special events and trips?
What are the hours?
What are the fees?
What does this include? (eg. diapers, meals, trips, etc.)
Are the caregivers trained in child development?
What are the degree requirements for staff?
What are the hiring procedures?
Is there a reduction in fee if my child is out sick?
What happens if my child gets sick/injured at the center?
How long has most staff worked here?
May I contact staff references?
Is there a parents' group or programming committee?
Are there restrictions on who may pick up my child?
After Your Child Begins Attending:
Drop in unannounced and visit regularly
Leave emergency contact information at the facility
Set up two or three "back-up plans" in case of your child's sickness or your own
Get involved with your child's care experience!
Copies of day care regulations can be obtained by calling the PA Department of Public Welfare Day Care Unit toll-free at 1-800-222-2117.
This checklist was compiled from expert and provider research by:
The Pennsylvania Commission on Women
P.O. Box 1326
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 787-8128
