Childcare questions

BTBergstrom

I am starting my search for childcare in the fall but I feel pretty clueless as to how to go about it. Once I find a place what questions are the most important to ask. I already plan on making sure they are licensed but what other questions would you recommend I ask? I feel like I don't know the right questions to ask since it am a ftm.

ProudMommy030614

The child to care provider ratio. And I always checked them out on the Dcf website to see if they have any bad reports.

VanessaBee

I worked in a daycare for awhile a few years ago. I'd ask if they'd let you observe a room for a few hours or a day. If they won't let you observe (and some won't, they feel like it's too disruptive), have a conversation about what they do in a day - what's the routine, what are the learning / activity objectives, etc. And ask what certifications are required of their lead and assistant teachers.

DTNZ4Ever

Ask for their menus if they provide meals, staff turnover. Do a scheduled visit then a drop in visit.

SurpriseAt39

I use private - in-home Childcare.

Her ratio was posted online in the ad I found.
She has both FT and PT kids, so daily numbers vary, but she only has 4 daycare kids total, so never exceeds the maximum.

We asked about her daily schedule.
Food (she cooks all meals etc.) - what happens if LO doesn't like what's offered?
Naps - she allows each kid to nap on their own schedule vs.a designated 'everyone naps now' idea. As well, there is a bed/crib/pnp for each kid, so no 2 kids will sleep in the same bed in one week. (Helps keep from sharing illness)
Outside time (weather permitting).
What if the kids fight?
Activities? TV? Music?
Daily report? (What/when they ate? Slept? Pee/poo diapers? Attitude that day?)

If you're going with a DC centre, there may be other questions.

And they may have more questions than you have.