Daycare Questions

alyshamarie007

I'm currently in the process of starting an in-home daycare. My mom successfully ran a daycare out of her home for nearly 10 years and loved it. She's since relocated to the area and plans on helping me out in my home daycare and is currently caring for DS while I continue working my current full time job and go through all the licensing procedures. Since I am a working mom right now, it has helped me understand the difficulties of being away from LO and worrying about his care, so I want to do all I can to make it as easy for my daycare parents as I can. Having my mom watch DS has definitely been such a peace of mind to me, but I know not everyone has that situation, so I wanted to get the perspectives of those who use non-family care.

What are the things that you looked for in a daycare? What are things that your daycare currently does/or you wish they would do that would really help you out or make you feel good about the care your LO is getting?

Thanks for your input!

 

jessjhh

Having a bin of toys for each day of the week and knowing they got washed/sanitized after each day. Floor cleanliness was a big thing too. We went to a DC that has dingy carpet and I immediately ruled them out. A general daily schedule for the kids explaining how it will help them develop.
A small thing too, but offering to take daily pictures and text them or email them to help the parent get through the day

deedee1017

One of the most important things (aside from safety, cleanliness and the regular day to day stuff like feeding her when she's hungry) it was really important to me to know that dd was not going to be sitting in a swing or saucer all day until she cried for attention.

Also, I really liked that there was a daily report at the end of the day.

ksimo6

My LO is with my folks so I don't have a lot of the concerns above but my girlfriends have expressed that the like the following: daily reports emailed to them ( there is an app), lots of outside activities when weather permits, and a nanny cam so they can look in from time to time. Good luck to you.

JRWies22

We get a daily log of sleep/eat/BM. It helps us maintain the schedule on the weekends. Also, being able to call/text throughout the day gives me peace of mind during the day.

megs1409

I agree with the PP points!  I definitely was looking for a program that had some structure (things that I wouldn't think to do at home for development).  I didn't want some place that they would just be putting him in a swing or exersaucer.  Cleanliness was huge!  I love the daily reports we get outlining what LO did throughout the day, pictures, a record of his diapers/feeding/sleep schedule. 

One thing that is difficult, particularly now that LO has a cold, is that they aren't able to use an aspirator or saline.  This makes for an uncomfortable LO all day, and a cranky baby at night. 

 

kellyk17

I agree with everyone and when I really think about it, the main reason we choose our daycare is that I felt really good about the caregivers there. When we observed them in action they were caring while still taking care of all the babies needs. I guess I'm just a "vibe" person...

BMom99

I love my daily reports.

hlb622

All of the above. The center I chose functions like a school from birth. Each age group has its own classroom, and LO is in the infant/toddler room with a ratio of 4:1 with a maximum of 8 kiddos per room. They have a daily routine that changes slightly weekly to incorporate new activities; last week, they painted little winter hats and I cried when I found it in his cubby!

They also email a calendar of the upcoming month's activities, as well as a newsletter that reflects on the previous month's activities; plus, they discuss each activity's KDIs (Key Developmental Indicators), which I love. They use Tadpoles to log feedings, naps, and diaper changes, which is auto-emailed to me when I check him out for the day -- sometimes they come with photos, too!

My MAIN reason for starting with this particular center was that we can drop in anytime, and they guarantee they'll be open when they say they will. (My sister's home daycare closed due to sickness of the adults...all...the...time.)

For me, communication was key, as was their professionalism and expertise. They're all certified in early childhood education and it shows. They're also a strong community partner and offer nighttime and weekend parent ed events (with babysitting included!)

Good luck!

sfshorter

I get a daily log of everything he does, not that I need it since I watch him on camera ALL day long.  They are really good about breastfed babies, which was a big one for me.  I wasn't sure about it since EBFing isn't as common here, but the place I picked has been great and there are several EBF babies in DS's room.  Oh, and they wash his dirty clothes and burp clothes, which I wasn't expecting, but love.  I just went and bought some extra "daycare clothes" and leave them there for him.  

If I were to ever have a daycare, cameras would be a must in all baby areas, not only for parent's but for my own legal protection.  People are sue happy, and there is nothing better than video evidence to protect yourself in the off chance someone claims something happened to their child in your care.

megs1409

I should also add that I chose a center over in-home care as I didn't want to have to deal with taking MY vacation at the same time as the daycare provider and didn't want to have to worry about sick days of the adults at the daycare.  DH and I both have jobs that don't give a ton of flexibility with regard to needing to stay home on short notice.

alyshamarie007

megs1409 said:

I should also add that I chose a center over in-home care as I didn't want to have to deal with taking MY vacation at the same time as the daycare provider and didn't want to have to worry about sick days of the adults at the daycare.  DH and I both have jobs that don't give a ton of flexibility with regard to needing to stay home on short notice.

That is why I am working with my mom. I will be licensed to care for 6 children without an assistant; however I chose to partner with her so that we can provide more focused care and not have to worry about closing for vacations/sick days. Whenever I am unable to be there, my mom will be and vice versa.

 

Thanks everyone for all the feedback! It is really helpful.