Child Care Consumer Check List

Child Care: Your Choice, Your Responsibility

A child care license is not an endorsement of quality. However, it does indicate that a provider has complied with licensing laws of Colorado. A license indicates that a criminal background check has been completed on every adult reported living in the facility, the facility meets safety standards as defined in the Colorado Minimum Rules and Regulations, and has been inspected by the Department of Human Services at time of licensing. The caregiver has acquired minimal training including CPR, Infant and Child First Aid and Basic Child Growth and Development. Please check certificates of continuing education and credentials.

After narrowing the list of care givers down to the final 2 or 3, call the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Child Care Services, 1575 Sherman, Denver at 303-866-5958 to view the file of the licensed facility you are considering. Please have the name, address and license number of the caregiver whose files you wish to view. Files will be ready in approximently 72 hours. If you prefer to review files by appointment in the Family Reosurces & Child Care Education office it will take approximately 10 business days.

Once care has begun, it is the parent's responsibility to continue to monitor any changes in enrollment and /or staff. It is advised to make unannounced drop-in visits to observe the quality of care when you are not present.

The following checklist is designed to help parents become skillful child care consumers.

The Program

• Written policies concerning fees, services, health procedures, discipline etc. are available.
• Staff turnover is minimal.
• Group size and age ratios are acceptable.
• Children seem happy, comfortable, and involved with caregivers and each other.
• Space and suitable materials are there for such activities as art, dramatic play, music, nature discovery, and reading.
• There is a flexible daily plan balancing structured and free choice activities, active and quiet time.
• Infants and toddlers can crawl, walk and play instead of being confined in a crib or playpen.
• Diversity is encouraged so children can expand their understanding of the world.
• Meals and snacks are nutritious and age appropriate. Menus may be available.

• Provides references on request.
• Has similar parenting styles while encouraging and supporting diversity.
• Has training and experience with children the same age as yours.
• Seems warm friendly, calm, gentle with relaxed sense of humor.
• Gets down to the child's level, speaks in a respectful tone, listens well and responds to questions/comments.
• Is firm, consistent and yet flexible in discipline. NO corporal punishment.
• Is patient helping children learn to respect others' rights and feelings, to take turns and to share, and to stand up for themselves when necessary.
• Accepts children's feelings and encourages expression in an appropriate manner.
• Encourages self-help skills (dressing, toileting, washing , eating & resting) as children are ready.
• Handles toilet training gently and respectfully at an appropriate age.
• Encourages children to try new activities and foods.
• Treats each child as an individual

• There is a sufficient supply of equipment and toys that are age appropriate, safe, and in good repair.
• Cleaning supplies, medicine, poisons and sharp objects and weapons are stored in child proof, latched or locked areas away from children.
• Electrical outlets are covered.
• Glass doors have decals to prevent collisions, wood stoves and heaters are screened to protect children.
• Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are on each level.
• Play area is fenced.
• Environment reasonably neat, toys and floors clean, heat, lights and ventilation comfortable.
• Each child has their own clean, safe place to sleep.
• Each child has a place to store personal belongings.
• Bathrooms are clean and children can reach toilet and sink.
• Hand washing is encouraged after toileting and nose wiping, before food experiences, before and after diaper changes.

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