Find a

caregiver who understands the principles of child growth

and development.

Does the

caregiver understand what activities are appropriate for

each age group? Offer children the opportunity to select

their own activities? Promote a positive self-image for

children? Create situations and provide support for

children to develop new skills? Recognize and provide

quality experience and interactions for children with

special needs?

Find a

caregiver who establishes and maintains a safe and

healthy learning environment.

Does the

caregiver provide a safe environment to prevent and

reduce injuries, provide appropriate supervision, follow

emergency plans and procedures? Promote good health and

nutrition? Create an environment that is interesting,

secure, and enjoyable and encourages play exploration,

learning and a feeling of ownership?

Find a

caregiver who advances the physical and intellectual

competence of the children in his or her own care.

Does the

caregiver provide a variety of equipment, activities and

opportunities that promote the physical development of

children? Provide activities and opportunities that

encourage curiosity, exploration and problem solving

appropriate to the developmental levels and learning

styles of children? Does the caregiver actively

communicate with children and provide opportunities and

support for children to understand, acquire and use

verbal and nonverbal means of communicating thoughts and

feelings?

Find a

caregiver who supports the children's emotional

development and provides proactive guidance.

Does the

caregiver provide physical and emotional security for

each child and help him or her know, accept and take

pride in self and develop a sense of independence? Help

each child feel accepted into the group? Provide a

supportive environment in which children can begin to

learn and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors

as individuals and as a group?

Find a

caregiver who establishes positive and productive

relationships with families.

Is the

caregiver open to your thoughts, suggestions, questions?

Does the caregiver welcome visits from parents anytime?

Does the caregiver support the child's relationship with

his or her family by providing various opportunities to

appreciate families as part of the regular program?

Provide support for families in stress or in crisis? Use

information about the family's culture, relationships and

child-rearing practices in experiences offered to

children?

Find a

caregiver who maintains a commitment to professionalism

through training, activity in the childcare field, etc.

Does the

caregiver take advantage of opportunities to improve

competence for both personal and professional growth and

for the benefit of children and their families?

Demonstrate a positive attitude toward his or her role in

working with children? Trained in CPR and first aid?

For a

pamphlet, bookmark or additional information on selecting

a caregiver, call the Georgia Child Care council's

toll-free "Choose to Care" hotline,

1-888-4GA-CHILD (1-888-442-2445), or visit the Council's

Web site at www.gachildcare.org to locate the childcare

resource and referral agency in your area.