Childcare Comparison Checklist

 

Not all centers are created equal...

To make a confident decision in regards to your child's care and education, you need to ask lots of questions.   We have provided this reference guide to help during your review process.  Perspective parents are encouraged to visit multiple centers before choosing the one that is best for their family.  

OWC features all of the items listed below.

Facility/General

  • Warm and inviting atmosphere

  • Greeted with a friendly smile

  • Warm, pleasant class environments

  • All meals and snacks are provided (not for infants until they begin eating table food)

  • Menus meet or exceed USDA guidelines and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

  • Adequate classroom space available for varied activities

  • Teachers receive on-going trainings throughout the year

  • Spacious and separate playgrounds for toddlers and preschoolers

  • Indoor gym space for children to play and use their large muscles

  • Personal storage cubbys and cots for each child

  • Closed Circuit Cameras in all classrooms and playspaces as well as the lobby and parking lot

  • Drop-in care available for those last minute childcare needs for our enrolled children

  • Strong sense of community and family between OWC staff and families

  • Licensed through the State of Michigan. Review our license at: https://cclb.my.site.com/micchirp/s/statewide-facility-search

  • Lead Teachers & Administrative staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED usage.

  • All teachers are trained in: First Aid, CPR, and AED usage; medication dispensing; safe sleep; shaken baby; child abuse signs; bloodborne pathogens

  • Restrooms and hand-washing facilities are easily accessible in each classroom

  • Doorbell and intercom to gain or be denied access into the building

  • Secured hallway doors into childcare wing with biometric fingerprinting

  • Check in/check out procedures

  • Learning materials and classroom materials are age-appropriate and safe

  • All dangerous products (ex: medicines, chemicals) are out of reach of children

  • Carbon Monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers throughout the building

  • Severe weather, fire, and emergency drills are performed per licensing requirements or more

Learning Environment

  • Program based on age-appropriate learning objectives

  • Teachers demonstrate positive communication with children

  • Developmentally-appropriate activities planned each day

  • Teachers interact with children at their level and in a way that encourages learning

  • Daily schedule in each classroom

  • Infants are cared for based on their schedule, not a set schedule

  • Child assessments are done in preschool classrooms to conduct parent-teacher conferences in the spring

Interest Areas/Curriculum

  • Reading and literature areas

  • Dramatic play areas

  • Early math and problem-solving areas

  • Creative/Art areas

  • Blocks/Community awareness areas

  • Science/sensory areas

  • Pre-writing and pre-reading skills are done in a fun, learning style

  • Age-appropriate curriculum One in Christ developed by Concordia Publishing House, including Bible stories, is taught and incorporated into daily activities. See a sample lesson: https://www.cph.org/images/topics/pdf/oneinchrist/PreA/631106_PreA_Week%2023_Jesus%20Blesses%20the%20Children_TG.pdf

  • Older Toddler Rooms, Preschoolers & Jr. Kindergartners enjoy weekly chapel and music times

  • 4 yr old preschool & Jr. Kindergarten classes are equipped with iPads and age-appropriate learning apps

Parent Communication

  • Daily verbal communication between teachers and parents

  • Daily classroom newsletters sent directly to parents digitally

  • OWC newsletter sent to parents digitally

  • Tadpoles app used to keep you connected with your child's day

  • Parents are informed of accidents and unusual incidents

  • Many school events are offered for family involvement

  • Private Facebook group to keep connected with OWC when your child is enrolled with us

  • Free text messaging service to send reminders and last minute notifications out to our families.