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Indicators of Quality Child Care Programs

Low child/staff ratio

Child/staff ratio is the proportion of the number of children to the number of teaching and caregiving staff in a specified classroom. Most experts believe that no more than three infants should be cared for by one caregiver. Good ratios for toddlers are 4-to-1; for preschoolers, no more than 10-to-1.

Small group size

Small groups generally work better than larger ones, especially for young children. If the group is too large, it will not be improved by adding more adults.

Staff training

Teachers are more sensitive with your child and provide more appropriate learning activities if they have more years of education and college-level training in early childhood education. Higher quality centers hire better educated and trained teachers and provide ongoing opportunities for teacher training and education.

Staff-child interaction

Interactions between children and staff should be characterized by warmth, personal respect, individuality and responsiveness. Appropriate affection should be expressed spontaneously and frequently, and children in distress should be comforted.

Salaries of staff

Most child care teachers earn poverty-level wages even when they have the same level of education and training as public school teachers. Only one-third of all child care teachers receive health benefits, and many are not paid for holidays, sick leave or vacations. Higher quality centers pay higher wages and provide better benefits for teachers.

Continuity of care

Children must have consistency in their daily life experiences. In programs where there is high teacher turnover, children suffer. Many centers lose more than half of their staff each year. Centers paying the lowest wages lose the greatest number of teachers. Higher quality centers have lower teaching staff turnover.

Well-designed space

Space should be arranged to enable children to play together in small groups. It should be attractive, clean and inviting. There should be areas for quiet and active play; an unobstructed view of the children; and equipment for physical activity and development of fine and gross motor skills. Outdoor play areas should be safe, secure and have adequate equipment.

Communication with parents

Parents should be well-informed about the program through a parent handbook, newsletters, bulletin boards, parent conferences and other similar measures. They should have opportunities to communicate with the staff about their child’s individual needs and program offerings, and parents should be welcomed at the center at all times offerings. Parents can also play an important role by participating on parent boards and committees.

Program administration

The child care center should have an executive director with advanced training in early childhood development. It should also have written policies and operating procedures. Accident protection and liability insurance coverage should be maintained for children and adults.

A safe and healthy environment

Good programs act to prevent illness and accidents; are prepared to deal with emergencies should they occur; and also educate children about safe and healthy practices.


*** National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, NAEYC; National Center for the Early Childhood Work Force; Gwen Morgan, A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Childcare Universe, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, 1991.

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