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Warning Signs of Poor Care
Pay attention to whether a child care program requires that parents call
before visiting. Good programs recognize the importance of an "Open
Door" policy for parents whose children are enrolled. As a parent, you have
the right to immediate access to your child at any time.
Listed below are a few warning signs of poor child care:
Inadequate Supervision
 | Children left unattended |
| Too few staff for the number of children present |
| Teachers not paying attention to the children or talking among
themselves rather than engaged in the children's activities |
| Staff who are angry, rough or moody with children or parents |
Program
| Infants restricted to cribs, playpens, walkers or high chairs |
| Infants placed on the center's schedule rather than their own (for
feeding, naps, etc.) |
| Too many children crowded in a small space |
| Few toys that children can reach themselves |
| Reliance on television or videos to entertain children |
| Continuous staff turnover |
| Reliance on rote learning (e.g., memorization of facts, tracing letters)
and not on exploration and discovery |
| Teachers directing all activities rather than involving children in
interactive learning experiences or allowing children to make personal
choices. |
Health and Safety Warning Signs
| Bad odors |
| Generally dirty environment or dirty children |
| Unclean or unsupervised pets |
| Poor sanitation practices, especially related to diapering and feeding |
| Medication stored improperly -- it should be in a locked cabinet, or
locked container or refrigerator. |
| Broken toys or unsafe equipment |
| Unfenced outdoor play area |
| Unlocked poisons or cleaning supplies |
Your Child's Reactions
| Your child repeatedly cries or resists staying at child care after
appearing to have adjusted to the program |
| Your child shows signs of emotional or physical stress |
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Denver Association of Family Child Care
