LOOK

Visit several family child care homes (and centers). Pay careful attention to your first impression.
Is it safe? Does the child care provider enjoy your child? Does the provider talk to children at their level? Are there toys, books and other learning materials appropriate to your child available?

LISTEN

What do you hear? Are the children happy and involved? Is the child care provider cheerful and patient? Look for a home that's not too quiet, but not too noisy, either.

COUNT

Count the number of children in the home. Ask the provider how many children DCFS allows in the home at any one time. Are there any assistants working with the provider? A smaller ratio of children-to-adults is especially important for babies and younger children.

ASK

The knowledge and experience of the child care provider are very important. Does the provider have any advanced or special training? Does the provider attend conferences and workshops? Ask the same questions about the day care assistants who will be working with your child.

BE INFORMED

What is being done in your community to improve the quality of child care? Is your child care provider aware of these efforts? Is your provider a member of the West Suburban Home Day Care Association? Does your provider have special or advanced training? Is your provider accredited?