Questions to ask daycare?

scarletii

I'm going to start looking at daycares, so I thought I'd better come up with a good list of questions.  Anyone want to share their interview questions?  Also, anyone know what the regulations are with cloth diapers and daycares?  I really want to continue using cloth with DS, but I wasn't sure what the mandates are.

Em7.31.04

This link has suggested questions to ask: https://www.childcare.org/families/choosing-provider.htm

 This one is good too: https://www.del.wa.gov/publications/development/docs/ChoosingChildCare.pdf

I don't know of any specific CD guidelines although we took DS to a licensed in-home provider who used CDs.  We also toured a center who was open to using them, although our current provider (center) doesn't allow them.  I think it just depends, but most probably aren't comfortable or used to the idea.  And honestly after using them at daycare for last year it was more trouble than it was worth to keep up w/the laundry while working f/t...Just IMO, of course.

cmcmillan

Susan- I don't have any tips for what to ask..if I think of any I will let you know. But i just wanted to mention no to go to America's Best Childcare, it's on 132, yellow house on corner?  I worked their after high school, it's awful. 

 

jen_and_tom

what are your hours?

what is your policy for feeding solids (ie: not introcing foods until after it has been ok'd by parents)?

how do you put infants to sleep for naptime?

how do you warm bottles?

how often are babies held?

are babies held for bottle feedings?

do you allow cloth diapers?

what is your policy for people other than mom and dad picking up baby?

 

As for cloth diapers, our current daycare was adamantly opposed during our tour.  I talked to the director of the school and brought in samples of fitted and aio's, wet bags, etc.  I let them know that they would not have to change their process at all with the exception of throwing the diaper in the wetbag instead of the garbage (no shaking poop, could still seal in plastic bag, etc).  They agreed on a trial basis and have had nothing but possitive feed back since (she's been there for 4 months).

 good luck - deciding on childcare is REALLY stressful!

keri1013

I was just visiting a daycare yesterday. They do accept cloth diapers, reading through their materials it looks like the state regs (or maybe recommendations) for cloth diapers are that each one goes inside a plastic bag, and that goes inside another larger bag that can be secured so kids can't get into it. That seems a little much, I am hoping if we go there perhaps I can just give them a wetbag and they can put the diapers straight in there? But I'm glad they're open to it at least. The questions above are great, I'd definitely ask how bottles are heated, if you'll be sending pumped BM you don't want that microwaved. Also if you don't need full-time care ask about part-time, some places only do full-time slots. Good luck, I know it is a hard process!