Childcare and Development > Ask The Questions

Measures the availability of affordable, quality childcare and early childhood programs. Talk with local government regulators of such programs, child-care resource and referral agencies, teachers and child-care providers, administrators of programs for low-income families (for example, Head Start), pediatricians, and professional associations (such as a local affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children).

When conducting the survey, try to obtain an answer for every "yes/no" question. A "no" answer to any question-or a qualified response of "yes, but"-suggests that further research should be done to determine the issue's severity and course of action your club should take to address that issue.

The more "yes" answers, the more active your community is with childcare and development and the less likely your club needs to develop childcare and development support programs. Of more significance are the "no" answers. These areas identify a need for support.

Is there a resource and referral agency in the community?

Does the capacity of early childhood programs meet the demand?

Does the quality of early childhood programs meet the demand?

• How many children under age 6 are there in the community? How many are in full-day childcare programs? How many are in other early childhood programs?
• How many childcare facilities operate in the community?
• How many children are in these programs? What are the greatest needs in these programs?
• How many childcare providers are estimated to be in the community? Serving how many children?
• Are family childcare providers required to be licensed or registered by the local government? How many have done so?
• What do family providers need to improve their childcare?

Is there a government-sponsored program, such as Head Start, available to young children living in poverty?

Does it meet all the needs for such a program?

• What are the requirements to participate in the program?
• What percentage of the eligible children are in the program?
• What resources does the program need to better serve the children?
• What resources does the program need to serve more children?

Does an early literacy program (such as Reading is Fundamental) operate in early childhood programs in the community?

Is there a family literacy or family development program in the community?

 

Survey adapted from the Healthy Children community assessment quiz developed by Philip J. Porter, MD.