Children & Adolescents Clinic

 Home Parent's Guide

Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Day Care: Questions to Ask About the Staff or Caregiver

Does the staff or caregiver:

  • genuinely seem to enjoy cuddling, holding, and talking to my baby?
  • welcome my questions and suggestions?
  • hold regular parent/teacher conferences?
  • share my childrearing philosophy?
  • take time to share my child's experiences with me?
  • seem to enjoy children?
  • remain gentle, yet firm? consistent, yet flexible?
  • have low-turnover?
  • sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
  • respect each child's unique background and interests?
  • guide rather than direct behavior?
  • really listen and talk to the children?
  • seem cheerful, affectionate, and warm?
  • have training and experience in early child education?
  • participate in continuing education programs?
  • kneel or sit at child's eye level?
  • spend individual time with each child?
  • actively play with children, indoors and out?
  • emphasize children's strengths and accomplishments?
  • cultivate children's natural curiosity?
  • handle discipline positively?
  • establish and consistently maintain limits?
  • have a sense of humor and acceptance?
  • seem to be able to give all children quality attention and supervision?
  • provide consistent care so my child has a stable predictable daily routine?

Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems