• Knowledgebase: Parenting Questions

    Questions about the managment of common parenting problems such as discipline.

    9. How can I check out a daycare center? - Top

    Q: How can I be sure if a daycare center is good and safe for my child?

    A: Any place that takes care of children should be child-friendly, promote good development and safe for your child. The foremost question you should ask the center is their adult to child ratios. Recommendations in this area are as follows:

    Infants: 3-4 per adult
    One Year Olds: 4-6 per adult
    Two Year Olds: 6-8 per adult
    Three Year Olds:7-10 per adult
    Four Year Olds: B-10 per adult

    Next ask if there is at least one individual present who is qualified to give pediatric CPR. If you feel comfortable with things at this point, you should do a walk through looking for and asking about the following:

    1) Electrical outlets are all covered
    2} Diapering is done in areas separate from food preparation and play areas
    3) There is plenty of soap and paper towels
    4) Hand washing is a regular activity, especially before food preparation and for eating, after diapering or toilet use
    5) Potentially poisonous items such as cleaning solutions are not out where children can get to them
    6) Perishable foods are properly stored
    7) Play equipment is in good shape
    8) Playground area is safe
    9) Smoke detectors are present and fire extinguishers are present
    10) Only approved adults are allowed to pick up children
    11) The staff and children are generally happy and comfortable with each other.

    If you go through this check list and feel comfortable with the center, you will feel more at ease with your child being at that center and your child will have a positive experience there.

    - Updated: March 24, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP