What to look for in Child Care ...
(Child Care Checklist) (Lista de Verificación)
About BMS...
We know that selecting the right care and learning center for your child is a big decision. And, we understand that you want to be certain you have made the best choice for your child.
We assure parents that we care for your child like you would at BMS.
BMS provides a warm, safe and fun environment that helps your child develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
Our passionate teachers and innovative programs help your child discover that learning is fun, while making new friends and building strong relationships with teachers who partner with you in your child's development. Our partnership includes regular communication with you about everyday moments and major milestones.
In addition, we provide excellent value and convenient location that – combined with our commitment to helping your child learn and grow – we hope makes choosing BMS an easy decision.
Looking for the best care for your child can be a stressful challenge. We understand that finding the right environment is an important decision.
We know what it takes to create a safe, caring and educational environment for your child. We have answered tough questions from concerned parents, and we have learned what matters most to families just like yours.
We assure parents that we care for your child like you would at BMS.
BMS provides a warm, safe and fun environment that helps your child develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
Our passionate teachers and innovative programs help your child discover that learning is fun, while making new friends and building strong relationships with teachers who partner with you in your child's development. Our partnership includes regular communication with you about everyday moments and major milestones.
In addition, we provide excellent value and convenient location that – combined with our commitment to helping your child learn and grow – we hope makes choosing BMS an easy decision.
Looking for the best care for your child can be a stressful challenge. We understand that finding the right environment is an important decision.
We know what it takes to create a safe, caring and educational environment for your child. We have answered tough questions from concerned parents, and we have learned what matters most to families just like yours.
Questions to ask when you visit any child care center or school so you can easily compare and make the best decision for your family.
Staff
Does staff communicate daily with parents about their child’s progress?
Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual attention?
Does staff read to the children?
Does staff seem patient and receptive to children’s needs?
Is staff respectful of children and parents?
Does staff encourage children’s sharing, manners and other good behaviors?
Does staff appear lively, smiling and interacting in a positive manner with children?
Does staff involve children in daily learning activities?
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
Safety
Does the facility appear orderly and clean?
Are there age-appropriate toys in the classrooms?
Are hazardous materials locked away?
Is there an emergency plan and is it posted?
Are there security measures in place?
Is there a policy for sick children and other circumstances?
Children
Do the children have a consistent routine that they can understand and follow?
Do the children seem occupied and engaged?
Are the children involved in activities that promote learning?
Is there a policy on discipline?
Do the children seem happy?
Feelings
Is your initial reaction a positive one?
Is this a place my child would enjoy?
Would my child be safe here?
Would I/we feel comfortable using this program?
Would my child learn new things every day at this program?
Other questions to consider:
May I visit any time?
How do you handle discipline?
What do you do if a child is sick?
What would you do in case of emergency?
What training does the staff have?
Are all children required to be immunized and does staff have physical examinations?
May I see a copy of your license or other certification?
Do you have a substitute or back-up care giver?
May I have a list of parents who have used your care (current and/or former)?
Where do children nap, and how do you put babies down to sleep?
Staff
Does staff communicate daily with parents about their child’s progress?
Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual attention?
Does staff read to the children?
Does staff seem patient and receptive to children’s needs?
Is staff respectful of children and parents?
Does staff encourage children’s sharing, manners and other good behaviors?
Does staff appear lively, smiling and interacting in a positive manner with children?
Does staff involve children in daily learning activities?
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
Safety
Does the facility appear orderly and clean?
Are there age-appropriate toys in the classrooms?
Are hazardous materials locked away?
Is there an emergency plan and is it posted?
Are there security measures in place?
Is there a policy for sick children and other circumstances?
Children
Do the children have a consistent routine that they can understand and follow?
Do the children seem occupied and engaged?
Are the children involved in activities that promote learning?
Is there a policy on discipline?
Do the children seem happy?
Feelings
Is your initial reaction a positive one?
Is this a place my child would enjoy?
Would my child be safe here?
Would I/we feel comfortable using this program?
Would my child learn new things every day at this program?
Other questions to consider:
May I visit any time?
How do you handle discipline?
What do you do if a child is sick?
What would you do in case of emergency?
What training does the staff have?
Are all children required to be immunized and does staff have physical examinations?
May I see a copy of your license or other certification?
Do you have a substitute or back-up care giver?
May I have a list of parents who have used your care (current and/or former)?
Where do children nap, and how do you put babies down to sleep?
What to look for when you visit any child care center or school so you can easily compare and make the best decision for your family.
Space is appealing and flexible. It can be used for different kinds of activities and different sizes of groups.
Staff are resourceful, caring people who understand the important role that adults play in school-agers' lives.
Most activities and experiences are child-selected. Schedules are flexible and children are not forced to participate in activities.
Programs uses positive guidance rather than punishment to help school-agers develop self-control and learn to behave appropriately.
Programs provide a wide range of activities and experiences that contribute to all aspects of a school-ager's development by:
- Fostering a positive self-image and sense of independence.
- Encouraging children to think, reason, question and experiment.
- Enhancing children's physical development, encouraging cooperation and promoting a healthy view of competition.
- Encouraging sound health, safety and nutritional practices and the creative, wise use of leisure time.
- Generating an awareness of the community at large and creating opportunities for children's involvement in activities.
- Does the program encourage children to relax and to be comfortable?
- Are there places for children to spend quiet time alone, time with a friend and time in larger groups?
- Do adults talk to children in positive terms and help children resolve conflicts?
- Does the staff treat all children with respect, without showing favoritism based on gender, race, culture and other factors?
Guidance and Discipline
Are children encouraged to cooperate with others, think about other children's feelings and solve problems by talking things out?
Does the caregiver recognize and encourage good behavior more often than correcting bad behavior?
Does the caregiver set limits for children that are consistent and make sense?
Are the limits simple and clearly explained to the children?
Does the caregiver redirect children by giving alternatives when behavior is unacceptable?
If time-outs are given, is the length of the time-out reasonable?
Does the program prohibit all forms of physical punishment, verbal abuse, and neglect of any kind?
Infant and Toddler Care
Do caregivers understand that very young children are not yet able to communicate their needs through language and quickly respond to children's cries?
Do caregivers talk, sing and read to infants and toddlers?
Do caregivers recognize that babies eat and sleep when they are most comfortable doing so?
Can caregivers see and hear infants and toddlers at all times?
Do caregivers treat children with kindness and respect?
Are babies always placed on their backs for sleeping? Are cribs free of pillows, comforters, bumpers pads, etc?
Are infants held while being bottle-fed?
Are diapers changed when wet?
Do caregivers support and encourage children during the potty-training process?
Is there enough space for children to explore and develop motor skills (including a soft space for infants to lay, roll and crawl)?