Who would have thought it would be such a daunting task looking for a day care facility that suits your child’s needs and your comfort level?

It is not a simple task and it can often be months before you make a decision<\m>providing you secure a space.

Before selecting a day care facility for your infant, there are several questions you need to ask.

Below are questions that Government’s Chief Environmental Health Officer, Estlyn Harvey, suggest you ask care facilitators before choosing their establishment.

Use these questions as a quick reference guide. Good luck!

1. Is the child-care centre licensed with the Department of Health (ask to see the license or call the Department of Health)? YES NO

<$>2. Is the person in charge certified (ask to see certificate)? YES NO

<$>3. Is there a certified deputy person in charge when the person in charge is no on the premises (ask to see certificate)? YES NO

4. Can you visit the facility during normal operating hours before registering your child in the programme? YES NO<$>

5. Will the staff allow you to examine the area that your child has access to? YES NO

<$>6. Can you visit whenever you wish (when children are there)? YES NO

<$>7. Is there a written plan for play and learning activities (ask to see it)? YES NO

<$>8. Are there regular opportunities for inside and outside play and are children supervised at all times? YES NO<$>

9. Is television viewing limited to short times and child-appropriate programmes? YES NO<$>

10. Does the centre offer parenting classes or other family support? YES NO

<$>11. Does the caregiver meet with parents regularly (ask how often)? YES NO<$>

12. Is there a written policy for discipline (ask to read it)? YES NO<$>

13. Are there written policies for the care of ill children (ask to read it)? YES NO

<$>14. Is there an area where ill children can receive care until parents pick them up? YES NO

<$>15. Will the caregivers give prescribed medications to your children? YES NO

<$>16. Is there a paediatrician who is a consultant for the child care programme? YES NO

<$>17. Has staff had training in first aid, injury control, and preventative management of infectious diseases? YES NO

<$>18. Are there a sufficient number of adult caregivers present at all times? YES NO

<$>19. Does the staff appear to enjoy caring for children? YES NO

<$>20. Are all furnishings/equipment clean and well maintained? YES NO

<$>21. Do the children in the programme appear happy? YES NO

<$>22. Do the adults and the children often talk with each other? Are children encouraged to talk to each other? YES NO

<$>23. Does there appear to be enough space for the number of children present? YES NO

24. Is there a sleeping (quiet) area large enough for all the children during naptime? YES NO

<$>25. Are there individual cots to sleep on? YES NO

<$>26. Do all the children have a place for their belongings? YES NO

<$>27. Are infants always fed sitting up? YES NO

<$>28. Are all toys in the centre safe? YES NO

29. Are there many toys present for your child’s age group? YES NO

<$>30. Is there an outside area used for play activities? YES NO

<$>31. Is the outside area free of hard surfaces and rocks, high climbers, tall slides, and unprotected swings? YES NO

<$>32. Do adults supervise outside play? YES NO

<$>33. Do the adults shout at the children? YES NO

<$>34. Is your first reaction to the programme good? YES NO