Daycare questions: anyone have a list?

julybaby23

Hi Everyone,

I have seen some amazing lists on here and of course, I did not save. Anyone have a list of questions to share? Here is what I have so far. Thanks!

Hours?

 

Extended care available?

 

Cost?

 

What is provided with fees?

 

Daily routine for infants?

 

Infant/instructor ratio?

  

Staff certified in Infant CPR?

 

Are babies taken out of crib when awake?

 

Will my baby have his own bed?

 

Infant activities?

 

Rules RE: late drop off or pick up? Fees?

 

How long a notice is requried to leave?

 

melissainabq

I used this list as a starting point and modified it as I felt appropriate.

BlondiePhD

What holidays/times is the daycare closed?

Do you pay when your child is away from daycare - home sick, you are on maternity leave etc?

What is the staff turn over rate?

Is food provided for non-infants and if so what is the menu (just so you know your toddler isn't going to be fed mac and cheese every day)?

 

mrs.kapow

There's one in Baby Bargains, but the questions here are better! Thanks.

kcox123

These are all good. Although I'm not sure about are babies taken out of crib when awake? I mean, if th ebaby is just hanging out - I would leave him or her (might go back to sleep). Certainly if baby is talking or crying I would want baby taken out though..

Really though - I know these are all questions you need to ask and should but other than that - you will get a feeling and you should largely listen to your gut. Also if you don't know any parents who use the daycare you should ask if they can give you any references to parents who do use their daycare... Other parents give you the best thoughts...

T1andT2

Are all the teachers certified/trained/licensed?  Will your child always have the same teacher?

Check out your state's website to see if the center has any checks against them...for childcare issues or building/property, then you can ask about them if they concern you.

Ask about outdoor time, how much and often do the infants go out.  Check out to see how shaded or not the outside area is.  I really like that DS's has 3 really large trees shading it, because even with those he has come home pink in the summer because they rarely use sunscreen on them.

Yes, ask for a menu even though it will be a while before your LO needs it.