1. Do staff members seem to really like children? Do they smile, show affection and appear to be patient?
2. Do staff members make a point of talking to each child on his or her level?
3. Are children greeted when they arrive?
4. Are children’s needs quickly met even when things get busy?
5. Does the staff respect children from varying cultures
6. Do staff and children enjoy being together?
7. Do the staff members treat each child with respect and , if the need arises, use positive, non-punitive forms of discipline?
8. Do the adults provide positive language models in describing objects, feelings, and experiences?
9. Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask experts about the best staff/child ratios for the different age groups.) make note of the ratios you observe.

Staff training and experience

1. Are staff members trained and experienced in early childhood education?
2. Are staff members trained in CPR and first aid?
3. Are staff members involved in continuing education program?
4. Does the program keep up with children’s changing interests?
5. What percentage of the staff leaves each year?

Interactions among staff and parents

1. Will the staff members always be ready to answer your questions?
2. Will the staff members tell you what your child is doing every day?
3. Are parents’ ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
4. Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?

Setting

1. Is the atmosphere bright, well lit, orderly, pleasant, and appealing?
2. Is there a fenced-in outdoor lay area with a variety of safe equipment?
3. Is the outdoor play are free of potential health and safety hazards? Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?
4. Are there different areas for resting, quiet play, and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?
5. Does the program have a plan for handling emergencies, and are emergency phone numbers placed near the phone?

Activities

1. Is there a daily balance of playtime, story time, activity time, and naptime?
2. Are the activities right for each age group?
3. Are children given opportunities to select activities of interest to them?
4. Are transition times approached as pleasant learning opportunities?
5. Are self-help skills such as dressing, toileting, resting, washing, and eating encouraged as children are ready?
6. Is there large climbing equipment?
7. Is there an ample supply of blocks of all sizes, wheel toys, balls, and dramatic play props to foster physical development as well as imaginative play?
8. Are the toys clean, in good repair, safe, of interest to the children, and within their reach?
9. Are children’s picture books age-appropriate, attractive, and of good literary quality?
10. Are there opportunities for music and movement experiences?
11. Are children busily engaged in interesting and satisfying activities?
12. Are snacks and meals nutritious? Are menus posted?

In General

1. Do you agree with the discipline practices?
2. Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
3. Are children comforted when needed?
4. Is the program licensed?
5. Will your child be happy here?

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