Read through the checklist and circle those items you want the day care site to provide. Then, when you talk to a possible caregiver or visit a home or center, decide whether the arrangement offers those things. Just check "yes" or "no." Use the check-off list to help you make a decision.

Does the Day Care Home or Center Have:

• An up-to-date license that is prominently displayed? Yes ______ No ______

• A clean and comfortable place that is odor free? Yes ______ No ______

• Enough space indoors and out so all the children can move freely and safely? Yes ______ No ______

• Enough care givers to give attention to all of the children in care? Yes ______ No ______

• Places to store personal belongings? Yes ______ No ______

• Places children can play quietly? Yes ______ No ______

• Enough furniture, play things, and other equipment for all the children in care? Yes ______ No ______

• Equipment and materials suitable for all ages of the children in care? Yes ______ No ______

• Enough room and cots or cribs so the children can take naps? Yes ______ No ______

• Enough clean bathrooms for all the children in care? Yes ______ No ______

• Safety caps on electrical outlets? Yes ______ No ______

• A safe place to store medicines, household cleaners, poisons, matches, sharp instruments and other dangerous items? Yes ______ No ______

• An alternate exit in case of fire? Yes ______ No ______

• A safety plan posted to follow in emergencies? Yes ______ No ______

• An outdoor play area that is safe, has fences and is free of litter? Yes ______ No ______

• Enough heat, light and ventilation? Yes ______ No ______

• Nutritious meals and snacks made with food you want your child to eat? Yes ______ No ______

• A separate place to care for sick children where they can be watched? Yes ______ No ______

• A first aid kit? Yes ______ No ______

• Fire extinguishers? Yes ______ No ______

• Smoke detectors? Yes ______ No ______

• Covered radiators and protected heaters? Yes ______ No ______

• Strong screens on windows above the first floor? Yes ______ No ______

• Relaxed time and space for napping/resting? Yes ______ No ______

• A regular newsletter to inform parents of any changes, trips, infectious diseases? Yes ______ No ______

• A detailed written policy about parent and daycare responsibilities? Yes ______ No ______

• Liability insurance? Yes ______ No ______

Employment First Table of Contents | Cooperative Extension Home Page

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.