Choosing Childcare

Choosing a childcare center

• AAP guidance recommends that in a room with 4 children aged 13 to 35 months there be 1 trained caregiver, and in a room with 5 to 8 children of that age there be 2 trained caregivers, as part of nationally recognized staff-to-child ratio standards.Source: AAP
• When evaluating health and safety practices at a child care center, AAP advises parents to check whether children are supervised by sight and sound at all times, even while sleeping, and whether the center has written policies covering health standards, illness, medication, nutrition, discipline, transportation, media, and outdoor play.Source: AAP
• AAP recommends parents verify licensing and credentials by asking whether the center is licensed or registered with the appropriate local government agencies and whether the child care provider is certified in CPR.Source: AAP