Q. Soon I will be looking for child care for my 3-year-old. My sister-in-law told me to look for a place that has "evidence-based" teaching. I don't know what that means but I didn't want to ask her. You know how that goes.

A. Evidence-based teaching is teaching shown by scientific research (evidence) to be effective in improving outcomes for children. Happily, a good number of centers use the evidence-based approach. Sadly, not all do.

We think you're wise to look for a place that uses the evidence-based approach. As you investigate programs, ask these questions. If you get lots of "yes" responses, you'll know you're on the right track.

Does the program:

• Have a record of significant, positive, and sustainable outcomes for children and families?

• Have a sound theoretical basis for its curriculum and approach to teaching?

• Have a strong focus on oral language, phonological awareness, print awareness, and alphabet knowledge?

• Have a written plan describing the learning experiences, materials, and teaching strategies that will help its children achieve developmental and learning goals?

• Understand the value of play in a child's learning and development?

• Teach each child as an individual?

• Promote positive relationships with families?

• Respect cultural and linguistic diversity?

• Offer opportunities for its teaching staff to grow through professional development?

We're glad you asked this question, because, through our partnerships with researchers at several universities (for example, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne and West Virginia universities), the 4 Kids Early Learning Network has actually helped develop some of the evidence.