The Montgomery County Daycare Checklist

Jan 15
3 min read

Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Perfect Childcare for Your Little Explorer

Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child's early years. This checklist, from the educators at Globetrotters Academy, will help you evaluate centers with confidence.

Section 1: Licensing, Safety & Health

[ ] Current PA State Licensing: Is the center fully licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) or other relevant state bodies?
[ ] Health & Safety Record: Ask to see their last inspection report.
[ ] Staff Background Checks: Are all staff members subject to thorough state and federal background checks?
[ ] First Aid/CPR Certified: Is there always staff on-site with current infant/child First Aid and CPR certification?
[ ] Emergency Plan: Do they have clear procedures for emergencies (fire, lockdown, medical)?
[ ] Secure Entry: How is access controlled (keypad, badge, fingerprint)?
[ ] Cleanliness & Sanitation: Observe the facility's overall cleanliness, especially play areas, bathrooms, and food prep zones.
[ ] Nutritious Meals/Snacks: What food is provided? Are allergies accommodated? (If bringing your own, what are the guidelines?)
[ ] Sick Child Policy: What are their rules for sick children, and how do they prevent the spread of illness?

Section 2: Staff & Learning Environment

[ ] Staff-to-Child Ratios: Are the ratios compliant with (or better than) state regulations for each age group?
[ ] Staff Qualifications: What are the educational backgrounds and experience of the teachers and caregivers?
[ ] Teacher Longevity: Does the center have a stable, experienced staff?
[ ] Teacher Interactions: Observe how staff interact with children – are they warm, engaging, and attentive?
[ ] Curriculum & Activities: Is there a structured, age-appropriate curriculum? What daily activities are offered (arts, music, reading, outdoor play)?
[ ] Learning Materials: Is there a variety of stimulating and age-appropriate toys and learning materials?
[ ] Outdoor Play Area: Is there a safe, well-maintained outdoor space for gross motor play?
[ ] Rest/Nap Time Policy: How do they handle nap times for different age groups?
[ ] Positive Discipline: What methods do they use for guidance and discipline?

Section 3: Communication & Parent Partnership

[ ] Daily Communication: How will you receive updates about your child's day (app, daily sheet, verbal)?
[ ] Parent-Teacher Conferences: Are regular conferences offered to discuss your child's progress?
[ ] Parent Involvement: Are there opportunities for parent participation or community events?
[ ] Open-Door Policy: Can parents visit unannounced (within reasonable limits)?
[ ] Enrollment Process: Is the enrollment process clear, and are all forms accessible?
[ ] Tuition & Fees: Is the fee structure transparent, with no hidden costs?
[ ] Financial Aid/Assistance: Do they accept CCIS (Child Care Works) or other forms of financial assistance?

Section 4: Unique Program Highlights (Consider Globetrotters Academy's Merits!)

[ ] Bilingual/Immersion Program: Does the center offer language immersion or a bilingual curriculum? (e.g., French-English)
[ ] Holistic Development Focus: Does the program emphasize growth beyond academics (social, emotional, physical)?
[ ] Specialized Activities: Do they offer unique programs like STEM, music, or global culture?
[ ] Values Alignment: Does the center's philosophy align with your family's values and goals for your child?

Notes for Your Visit:

Trust Your Gut: Observe the overall atmosphere. Do the children seem happy and engaged?
Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions about anything on this list.
Visit More Than Once: If possible, visit during different times of day to see various activities.