How to Tell if a Day Care Teacher is Qualified

When parents go to work they want to feel confident their child's daycare teacher is qualified. Every parent needs to know they are leaving their child in good hands. Requirements for daycare teachers will vary by state and the size of the daycare. Home daycare teachers may have different state requirements than those who teach in a larger center. There are steps parents can take to determine if their child's daycare teacher is qualified.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask the teacher about her education. State requirements will vary. Most daycare teachers should have taken a few classes in early childhood education. Ask your child's teacher what classes she had.

2. Talk about past experience working with young children. A brand new teacher may be competent. However it will give you peace of mind to know your child's teacher has experience working with children similar in age to yours. Keep in mind not all relevant experience needs to be from paid employment. Volunteer work with children and being a parent can be great experience for a teacher.

3. Watch for ease around children. A daycare teacher should be able to relate to children. A teacher should be able to talk with kids in an age appropriate way without talking down to them. Spend time watching how the teacher treats children even when correcting behavior.

4. Determine if the daycare teacher knows what to do in an emergency. Ask if she is certified in CPR and first aid.
   
   

5. Discuss what background checks your child's daycare teacher has had. Most states require anyone working with children undergo a criminal background check. Do not feel you will offend the teacher if you ask. Professionals working with children understand this requirement and should not hesitate when asked about background checks.

6. Evaluate her personality. Ask yourself if the daycare teacher seems kind, even-tempered and appears to enjoy working with children.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware not every daycare teacher will share your exact view on every aspect of childrearing. They may still be a very qualified teacher.
• Trust your instincts. A daycare teacher may have all the right qualifications on paper. However there may be something you don't like that you can't put your finger on. Go with your gut and look for a different daycare teacher if possible.

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