Once you have made a list of potential daycares for your child, the next step is to visit each facility. This is the key component of your research, for it will be in the visit that you get a true feeling for each facility. Visit the centers or homes that you like more than once and ask about their "drop-in" policy. Parents should feel free to drop-in anytime they wish. Try to plan your visit when the children are awake. This will enable you to see the caregivers in action. And be bold - ask other parents whose children attend this daycare if they are pleased with the program.

We offer this printer-friendly checklist for you to take with you on your visits:

Availability

• What are the ages of the children accepted at this facility?
• Do they have space available for your child?

Staff

• Have you met the Director?
• What kind of training does the staff go through prior to working with the children?
• What is the staff turn over rate?
• Is the staff trained in CPR and first aid?
• What is the child to caregiver ratio?
• Is the facility registered? Licensed? Accredited?

Nutrition

• Are the children given a nutritious midmorning and afternoon snack?
• Are the children given a nutritious lunch?
• Do they allow for special needs diets?
• If breast feeding and pumping, do they have adequate storage for breast milk?
• Are parents given a monthly menu?

Activities/Education/ Discipline

• Is there an age appropriate lesson plan each day?
• Are the children allowed outside to play for a certain amount of time each day?
• Do they provide mats for the younger children to sleep on at nap time?
• How are the children disciplined? Redirection? Time-out? Other?
• Are the children given lots of love and encouragement?

Safety

• Do all electrical sockets have safety covers on them?
• Does the playground equipment meet or exceed safety standards?
• Is there a code or key issued only to parents to keep out intruders?
• Are safety gates in good working order?
• Are all cleansers and other chemicals/poisons out of reach and locked up?
• Is there a first aid kit?
• Do they have smoke detectors?
• Are fire exits clearly marked and caregivers knowledgeable in fire safety?
• Are heating vents and radiators covered or inaccessible to children?

Sanitation

• How often are the toys washed?
• What do they use to wash the toys?
• Is the furniture clean and in good condition?
• Do the caregivers use gloves when handling food? When changing diapers?
• Are the children taught to wash their hands before eating? After using the toilet?

Policies

• Can parents drop in at their will?
• Do they ask parents to pick up their child when the child is feverish?
• Do they have a 24-hour fever-free rule?
• Do they dispense medication only with a parent or doctor's signature?
• Are parents notified when a child has been bitten? When a child bites?
• Is there a camera monitoring system in each room?
• Which holidays do they recognize?
• Is the staff allowed to smoke on facility premises?
• Are animals allowed on facility premises? (registered homes only)
• How do they handle toilet training?
• Are there provisions for children with special needs?

Location/Fees/Hours

• Is the facility conveniently located to either work or home?
• What do they charge for full-time childcare? Part-time childcare?
• Do they accept any kind of financial aid?
• Do their operating hours match your needs?
• Do they have before or after hours care? If needed, is transportation provided?
• What is the fee for picking your child up late?
• Are diapers/wipes/formula provided?
• Is there a sibling discount?
• Is vacation time prorated?
• What are their holiday hours?