Choosing Quality Child Care

Qualities in a Caregiver

The qualities that comprise an ideal caregiver will be different for every family, but we have listed a few common considerations below. Further guidance can be found at the National Association for the Education of Young Children website.

• Engages in warm, friendly conversations with children and encourages and recognizes children's work and accomplishments
• Has educational qualifications and specialized knowledge about young children and early childhood development
• Consistently assigned to your child to allow for a relationship to form
• Respects children's needs

Classroom Settings and Procedures

We have listed some common attributes to look for. Environmental Rating Scales can provide more insight on safe and engaging learning spaces.

• Consistent schedules and routines
• Health practices observed, like hand washing and health protocols
• Child appropriate furnishings, such as hand-washing sinks, child-size chairs and tables, and cots, cribs, beds or sleeping pads
• Appropriate group sizes and ratios of teaching staff to children are (e.g., one staff member for every four infants or every six toddlers)

Curricular Features

Every family has different priorities when it comes to educating their child, and there are a variety of school options catering to different styles. The following are common indicators of a quality curriculum:

• Encourages children to play and work
• Addresses all aspects of child development rather than focusing on just one area of development
• Activities are designed to help children get better at reasoning, solving problems, getting along with others, using language and developing other skills
• Aligns with clear and robust learning standards or guidelines, such as the PA Early Learning Standards
• See NAEYC for articles on curriculum development

Family Engagement

How centers engage with families can be just as important as how they engage with children. These are some common considerations:

• Clear and regular communication to families about program updates, policies and procedures such as the program's philosophy and curriculum goals, guidance and discipline, and health and safety procedures.
• Information about their child's development and learning provided on a regular basis, including through meetings or conferences; clear two way communication about a child's daily needs and activities
• Activities that help bring families together and build community and engagement
• Open door policies encouraging parents to join the classroom or drop in whenever they are able
• See Trying Together's Family Engagement Toolkit [pdf] for expected family engagement practices

Logistical Considerations

• Location — Is the child care provider convenient for you or a family member to conduct timely drop off and pick up without impacting your work schedule?
• Time — Are the hours offered in keeping with the coverage you need? Is there flexibility around attendance that allows you to take time away from the center for trips or family leave?
• Transportation — If you will be using public transportation, is the center located on or near a bus route? Does the program provide any transportation? This may be more common for before- or after-care programs, as they may have centers that are along the typical school bus route.

Licensing and Accreditation

The following systems and standards are relevant to child care in Pennsylvania.

• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services oversees the licensing of both in-home and center-based providers. Licensing ensures that providers meet requirements meant to keep children and families safe. Child care providers are not permitted to operate without a license.
• Keystone STARS is a rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age children. This voluntary program helps parents compare program features based on a four-star rating system.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children promotes a comprehensive set of standards for high quality early childhood education. Programs with this accreditation have demonstrated to a high degree that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children, have teachers who are well-trained, have access to excellent teaching materials, and work with a curriculum that is challenging and developmentally appropriate.

Family Values and Needs

Families need to consider whether a program fits with their own personal goals, values and family needs.

• Religious considerations — Is your preference to find a program that provides a religious education component? Is the presence of religion something you specifically want to avoid?
• Dietary needs and restrictions — Does the program provide food? If so, what is the process for making accommodations? What the systems, policies, and guidelines related to food allergies? (For example, many programs are "nut-free.")
• Children with disabilities — Discuss your child's needs with the program, and the plan for implementing or coordinating any required accommodations, modifications or support services.
• Educational philosophies — There are a variety of philosophies and approaches to guide how a program views early education, such as the Reggio Emilia Approach, Montessori, Waldorf, Social Constructivism, and Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Ask a program to describe their philosophy and see if it aligns to your family's values.