Is this the right place for my child?
Choosing child care

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The parent checklist items listed in this guide are based on research about what is important in order for children to be protected and well cared for in a group child care setting. The checklist, created by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, will help you know what to look for and ask to find out if the program you are considering will be a safe, healthy and happy place for your child.

Parents' Stories

Parents across Minnesota are looking for child care options which fit their needs and help their children learn and grow. Several Minnesota parents share their experiences searching for child care:

“Finding good care for my kids was not just a matter of finding someone to watch them while I was at work. It was also finding a caring place where they could learn and feel safe. I wanted them to feel important and some daycares wanted this too. At each visit, I asked myself, ‘Do the kids here seem happy?’ and ‘Do the teachers seem happy and do they want to meet my children?’”

— Dina Mendez, mother of Adriana, Tomas and Kaitlin

“I know my child best and know what will work best for her in terms of child care. It helped to have the parent checklist on hand as well to learn more about what all children need and what will help her get the most out of her time with these teachers.”

— Molly Jensen, mother of Johanna

“This was a scary process at first but learning about what we could expect was helpful. When I learned how important the first few years of life are for my child’s lifelong learning, I felt it was important to find the best place we could. I read over the parent checklist and asked some of the questions at each visit. I feel good about
where my son spends his days and I feel proud that I am able to provide these good experiences for him.”

— Jon Maxwell, father of Tanner

Printable versionThe Checklist

Child Care Program options

Unless otherwise noted, the Checklist items apply to any child care setting.

Useful terms and child care types

Supervision

Will my child be supervised?

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Training

Have the adults been trained to care for children?

For a child care center (a program offering care in a community
center, place of worship or other facilities):

For family child care (care offered in the caregiver's home):

For child care center AND family child care home:

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Learning

Will my child be able to grow and learn?


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Health and Safety

Is this a safe and healthy place for my child?

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Management

Is the program well-managed?

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Communication

Does the program work closely with parents?

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