Finding Child Care

Questions to Ask

Curriculum

The curriculum a program uses should offer age appropriate activities, be play-based and allow for exploration, creativity, and inquiry. Pennsylvania created learning standards for early childhood, which are research-based according to age and development. These standards form the foundation for curriculum, assessment, instruction and intervention within early care and education programs.

Learn more about curriculum:

PA Early Learning Standards

Teacher Ratios

Low child-to-adult ratios and small group sizes help ensure that your child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to your child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning.

Learn more about teacher ratios:

Childcare.gov

Caregivers/Teachers/Staff

  • communicate through talk and touch, songs, and stories

  • engage at the child’s level, sitting, squatting, or laying on the floor

  • use a warm and supportive tone of voice while addressing behavior or redirecting attention

Learn more about caregivers:

The Pennsylvania Key (PA Keys)