1. Parent Checklist
Use this checklist to identify criteria for consideration of an appropriate setting for your child with special needs in a
preschool or daycare. Please use the following rating scale for each criteria.
Rating Scale
The rating scale is a 0-5 scale. 0 = criteria not met, observed or present;
5 = criteria met with excellence
C r i t e r i a Scale
Physical Plant and Structure of the facility
1 The building was in good repair upon my arrival 1 2 3 4 5
2 The entrance was a secured entrance with restricted
access to only those persons who had a reason to be
there
1 2 3 4 5
3 The hallways and entrances were free from clutter 1 2 3 4 5
4 Everything was put away in its place 1 2 3 4 5
5 The entrances would facilitate a wheelchair or other
movement limitations
1 2 3 4 5
6 The classroom and bathrooms had easy access and
accommodation for wheelchairs or will accommodate
other movement limitations
1 2 3 4 5
7 The playground area is accessible to my child: the
ground cover will accommodate the maneuverability of a
wheelchair and/or other movement limitations and the
playground equipment is adapted to persons with
limited mobility or children with other disabilities
1 2 3 4 5
8 The paint on the walls and other surfaces is fresh and
well maintained
1 2 3 4 5
9 The facility was safe and clean 1 2 3 4 5
10 The classroom arrangement is maneuverable for a
wheelchair or children with other movement limitations
1 2 3 4 5
Classroom Environment
11 The toys are on low shelves and reachable for my child 1 2 3 4 5
12 The items in the classroom are appropriate for my child 1 2 3 4 5
13 The items on the shelves are labeled 1 2 3 4 5

2. 14 My child will be able to use the art items in the
classroom or the staff will be able to modify the art
materials for my child, as needed
1 2 3 4 5
15 The sand/water table will accommodate or be
accommodated for my child
1 2 3 4 5
16 My child will be able to make use of the quiet area 1 2 3 4 5
17 The books are useable for my child 1 2 3 4 5
18 The books represent well children with cultural
differences
and children with disabilities
1 2 3 4 5
19 The block area is useable by my child 1 2 3 4 5
20 The housekeeping area is useable by my child 1 2 3 4 5
Staff Interactions and Education
21 The staff were friendly and pleasant 1 2 3 4 5
22 I was able to see children and staff/teachers interacting
positively
1 2 3 4 5
23 The staff have general knowledge about my child’s
disability, or have access and are willing to become
knowledgeable about my child’s disability
1 2 3 4 5
24 I spoke to the staff who may take care of my child and I
was able to ask them questions
1 2 3 4 5
25 I was able to speak with the staff about their
qualifications and I am satisfied with the level of
education of the staff who might be taking care of my
child
1 2 3 4 5
Other Environmental Considerations and Supports
26 The ratio of staff to children will support my child or be
adapted to my child’s limitations, and maintain the
safety of my child
1 2 3 4 5
27 The center/school is receptive to a diversity of cultures,
family situations, ability levels
1 2 3 4 5
28 I was able to spend time in the room that may be my
child’s potential classroom
1 2 3 4 5
29 I spoke with the director during my visit 1 2 3 4 5
30 My tour guide was honest and forthcoming about
shortcomings of the program
1 2 3 4 5

3. 31 I saw children in the classroom environments enjoying
the activities they were engaged in
1 2 3 4 5
32 If food is provided, it is adequate for my child’s health
concerns or The center will accommodate such needs
including allowing me to provide food from home
1 2 3 4 5
33 My child will be able to receive all necessary services
here
1 2 3 4 5
34 The is opportunity for parent involvement in the
classroom as well as the community of the
preschool/daycare
1 2 3 4 5
35 The classroom and school take advantage of all local
and community resources
1 2 3 4 5
36 I am comfortable and confident my child will have the
best care and early childhood experience here
1 2 3 4 5