A Checklist for Parents

As a parent, have you interviewed a child care provider only to be disappointed with some aspect of them or their home? Do you know what to look for? Would you be interested in knowing the reasons why other parents have given for not choosing a specific child care provider's home? Here is a list of reasons some parents have given for not choosing a specific home. Parents can use this as a check list to help you to see if a potential provider meets your expectations.

• The provider seems more interested in the money rather than the children.
• The children are not offered a wide variety of activities and/or toys.
• The house or yard is poorly maintained and/or cluttered.
• The provider cares for too many children.
• The home smells of cigarette smoke.
• The provider does not present her/himself in a professional manner.
• The home does not have adequate napping space/equipment.
• Pets are not properly restrained and/or controlled.
• The provider has as unfriendly telephone manner.
• The provider carried on a phone conversation with children crying in the background.
• The provider lives near a busy street and does not have a fenced yard.
• The provider uses inappropriate language around the children.
• Broken toys or other dangerous items are laying around.
• The cleanliness of the provider and the children in her care does not meet standards of the parent.
• The provider does not acknowledge the children during the interview.
• The inside of the home is dark or dreary.
children are not allowed on the furniture.
• The contract and policies are not professionally written.
• The children are left unattended outside.
• Toys are not visible during the interview.
• The provider has too many rules for young children.
• The provider seems inflexible with behavioral management techniques, potty training schedule, napping schedule, etc.
The parents are not allowed to make unannounced visits during child care hours./li>
• Other kids in the providers care are dirty during interview.
• The provider's family does not seem supportive of her child care business.

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