Choosing an early learning provider is one of the most important choices you can make for your family. The Division of Early Learning offers two resources to support you on this journey.
The Family Guide to Selecting Quality Early Learning Programs
What the Family Guide Offers
The Family Guide is designed to help you understand:
- The different types of early learning providers
- Early intervention services
- How to evaluate providers based on your child’s unique needs
It encourages families to:
- Be a smart shopper
- Do research
- Make an informed decision
- When selecting a provider, consider your child’s sleeping habits, routines and any special needs to see if their needs fit with the services offered.
The Quality Checklist for Child Care
What the Quality Checklist Offers
The Quality Checklist complements the Family Guide by offering specific questions and an observation tool to use during provider visits. It focuses on key areas, such as:
- Is the facility clean, secure and well-maintained?
- Are children constantly supervised?
- Are inspection reports available upon request and up to date? Find these reports on DCF Cares website.
- What curriculum is used? Is it developmentally appropriate?
- Do children seem happy and comfortable?
- Do caregivers speak kindly and respectfully to children?
- How are updates shared with families and are parents encouraged to visit or volunteer?
- Do caregivers provide daily notes or logs for meals, naps and diaper changes?
- Are meals and snacks healthy and nutritious?
By using both the Family Guide and the Quality Checklist, you’ll be equipped to make a thoughtful, informed decision that supports your child’s growth and your family’s values. These tools empower you to ask the right questions, observe carefully and choose confidently.
Get more ideas like this in each Parents’ Pages monthly email.
