# Child Care Visit and Comparison Sheet

Take this sheet to a provider visit and compare the details that matter to your family. It organizes observations and questions; it is not a quality rating or a licensing inspection.

## Before the visit

**Hours, days and starting date we need:**

**Travel, access, language or participation needs:**

**Official licensing or provider information checked:**

Find the responsible state resources through [ChildCare.gov](https://www.childcare.gov/). A provider's marketing description does not replace official licensing information.

## Ask and observe

| Question | Provider's reply or my observation |
| --- | --- |
| Who would care for my child each day? Who covers absences? | |
| How do adults respond when a child needs help or a limit? | |
| How are meals, rest, outdoor time and transitions arranged? | |
| How will I receive updates or raise a concern privately? | |
| What are the full fees, payment terms and notice requirements? | |
| Which policies and agreements can I read before deciding? | |

## Compare options

| Detail | Option A | Option B |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hours and travel | | |
| Staff arrangements | | |
| Total fees and extra costs | | |
| Communication and access | | |
| Unanswered questions | | |

## Illustrative comparison

One setting is closer but closes before your shift ends. Another has suitable hours but a longer journey and a separate meal fee. Record those differences and confirm the fee rather than relying on the headline price. Ask what happens if pickup is late before choosing the arrangement.

| Detail | Illustrative Option A | Illustrative Option B |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hours and journey | Closes at 5; my shift ends at 5, so pickup is unresolved. | Closes at 6; the journey can fit, subject to confirming the schedule. |
| Cost information | Headline fee known; extra charges still to check. | Written fee schedule obtained; meal charge listed separately. |
| Next question | Can an authorized person cover pickup? | What are the notice and closure terms? |

These invented entries show how to retain unanswered questions; they do not describe or rate real providers.

## Before deciding

**What I still need in writing:**

**Who I will contact and when:**

**What matters most in this choice:**

[Read the complete choosing care guide](/resources/choosing-child-care/) · [Prepare for the transition](/resources/starting-child-care-or-preschool/)

Edition: October 2026. National Parenting Foundation. [Reuse and permissions](/permissions/).