Use this checklist as a reminder of all the important things to look out for when you pay a visit to a potential Family Day Care provider for your child.
| Initial Impressions | Yes | No | n/a | ? | |
| Is the atmosphere relaxed and happy? | |||||
| Do you feel welcome? | |||||
| Does the home seem well organised, clean and tidy? | |||||
| Is there anything that appears to be out of place? | |||||
| Security & Safety | Yes | No | n/a | ? | |
| Does the home seem safe and secure? | |||||
| Are there safety gates & safety caps on electrical outlets? | |||||
| Have all educators and their immediate family who may be in contact with the children undergone police and background checks? | |||||
| Are the radiators and heaters covered? | |||||
| Are medicines and household cleaners locked away or out of reach? | |||||
| Are there cords dangling from curtains or drapes? | |||||
| Is there air conditioning, good light, heat and ventilation? | |||||
| Are the fire exits adequate? | |||||
| Are there established emergency procedures? | |||||
| Are outside play areas safe from traffic and water? | |||||
| Is the furniture and play equipment safe? | |||||
| Are policies in place to report and document any accidents? | |||||
| Are educators who know how to administer CPR and/or first aid available at all times? | |||||
| Transportation of children - what is the child restraints policy if children are transported by car/taxi? | |||||
| Hygiene | Yes | No | n/a | ? | |
| Are food preparation and eating areas clean and tidy? | |||||
| Is the rest of the house clean and tidy? | |||||
| Is all food cleaned up after snack and meal times? | |||||
| Is information on policies such as hygiene procedures available? | |||||
| Cost | Yes | No | n/a | ? | |
| What are the daily fees? | |||||
| Does the service offer occasional or sessional care? | |||||
| Can you claim the Child Care Subsidy? | |||||
| People & Environment | Yes | No | n/a | ? | |
| How long has the family day care service been running? | |||||
| How many children are cared for and what are the ages? | |||||
| What type of background checks are completed on the educators and family members who may come into contact with the children? | |||||
| What is the minimum qualification requirement for educators? | |||||
| Does the educator care for children everyday? If not, how often are other educators used and how are they chosen? |
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| How do educators deal with emotional issues eg: separation anxiety? | |||||
| Is there an orientation program for new parents and children? | |||||
| Is there a planned program for day-to-day activities? | |||||
| Do educators interact and play with the children? | |||||
| Do the educators spend time talking to and encouraging the children? | |||||
| Do children appear to be relaxed, happy and playing cooperatively? | |||||
| Are there a wide range of toys and books supplied for the children? | |||||
| Are you welcome to visit at anytime? | |||||
| Do toileting, nappy changing and rest times meet individual needs? | |||||
| Do snacks and meal times meet individual needs? | |||||
| Do you feel welcome to discuss your child and their policies? | |||||
| Do the educators have similar thoughts on discipline to your own? | |||||
| Are cultural differences recognised and accepted? | |||||
| Will your child's individual needs be met? | |||||
| What is the procedure for handling complaints against educators? | |||||
| Do you feel a warm caring relationship will be developed with the educator and your child? | |||||
| Will this arrangement contribute positively to your child's total well being? | |||||
| Scheme & Co-ordination Unit Support | Yes | No | n/a | ? | |
| Which scheme is the educator registered with? | |||||
| Do they provide regular and spontaneous visits from trained and knowledgeable coordinators? | |||||
| Does the unit support and provide resources, training and mentoring to the educator? | |||||
| Are alternative care arrangements available when required - back-up care, emergency care? | |||||
| Is there support services eg transport, playsessions, toy library, access to specialised funding | |||||
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National Quality Standards
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Yes
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No
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n/a
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?
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Has the service been assessed under the National Quality Framework?
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If so what was the rating?
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Does the service have a Quality Improvement Plan? Can you view the plan?
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For a printable version of this checklist click here.
