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Babysitting - Babysitter Checklist - Daycare Centre Questions - Bicycles - Cold Weather - Snow Shovelling - Generator - Children At Home - Holidays - Hot Weather - Personal Safety Checklist - Travelling

Here are some questions you may wish to ask - or observe for yourself - when interviewing a potential professional babysitter or commercial daycare centre. These questions may help you to determine the location's suitability for your child.
- Do staff have Early Childhood Education certificate?
- Will they encourage parents to visit at any time?
- Do they appear to be warm and friendly?
- Do they have a sense of humour?
- Do they seem to be someone with whom you can develop a relaxed, sharing relationship?
- Do they appear to be someone your child will enjoy being around?
- Do they seem to feel good about herself/himself and the job?
- Do they have child-rearing attitudes and methods that are similar to your own?
- Do they understand what children can and want to do at different stages of growth?
- Do they have the right materials and equipment on hand to help them learn and grow mentally and physically?
- Will they patiently help children solve their problems?
- Do they provide activities that encourage children to think things through?
- Do they encourage good health habits such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet?
- Will they talk to the children and encourage them to express themselves through words?
- Will they encourage children to express themselves in creative ways?
- Do they seem to have enough time to look after each of the children in her/his care?
- Will they help the children to know, accept and feel good about themselves?
- Do they have previous experience or training in working with children?
- Will they provide a routine and rules that the children can understand and follow?
- Do they have an entrance physical examination and yearly TB test?
- Are they certified in first aid and CPR?
- Do they have a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, covered (child-proof) radiators and heaters?
- Does the child care facility have an up-to-date license, if required?
- Do they have a clean and comfortable look?
- Do they have enough space indoors and out so all children can move freely and safely?
- Do they have enough furniture, playthings and other equipment for all the children in care?
- Do they have equipment that is safe and in good repair?
- Do they have equipment and materials suitable for the ages of the children in care?
- Do they have safety caps on electrical outlets?
- Do they have a safe place to store dangerous items such as medicines, cleaners, poisons, matches, sharp instruments, etc.?
- Do they have an alternate exit in case of fire?
- Do they have a safety plan to follow in emergencies?
- Do they have an outdoor play area that is safe, fenced (or secure) and free of litter?
- Do they have groups of manageable size?
- Do they have a scholarship program, subsidies or sliding fee scale?
- Do they have enough heat, light and ventilation?
- Do they have any pets? If so, are they properly trained or penned, and have they had all their appropriate shots?
- Do they have safe transportation for field trip with seat belts and car seats used?
- Do they have a nap or resting area, depending on ages and needs or the children?
- Do they have cots for children through age five?
- Do they have nutritious meals and snacks that meet your preferences about the types of food you want your child to eat?
- Do they have enough adults to give attention to all of the children in care?
- Are the children able to play quietly and actively indoors and out?
- Are the children able to play alone at times and with friends at other times?
- Are the children able to follow a schedule that meets their need for routine, but is flexible enough to meet the different needs of each child?
- Are the children able to use materials and equipment that help them learn new physical skills, develop muscular control and get exercise?
- Are the children able to learn to get along, to share and to respect themselves?
- Are the children able to learn about their own and others cultures through art, music, books, songs, games and other activities?
- Are the children able to visit nearby places of interest, such as the park, library, fire station or museum?
- Are the children able to play with many different toys and equipment that enable them to use their imaginations? (For example: books, musical instruments)
- Are the children able to choose their own activities for at least part of the day?
Does the person who will be caring for your child:
- Treat your child as capable and fun to be around?
- Have a willingness to adapt toys and activities to the needs of your child?
- Seem to have extra effort and patience to give to your child?
- Have a willingness to work with you and any other agencies or medical personnel involved in the care of your child?
- Have facilities to accommodate your child?
The following questions are unique to infant care:
- Is there a diaper changing area with a washable surface, and is it sanitized regularly?
- Are hands washed before and after feeding and diapering?
- Are bottles, nipples and toys kept clean?
- Are food and formula served at the right temperature?
- Are unused formula and food refrigerated and labeled or discarded when no longer fresh?
- Are babies changed promptly when diapers are wet or soiled?
- Are babies cleaned thoroughly during diaper changes?
- Is a separate crib, portrait or playpen provided for each infant?
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