daycare questions

summerbride12

So we are interviewing daycare centers over the next few weeks. I was wondering if anyone had a good list or could even offer some good questions! TIA

MaryEllen

I don't but I'll be watching this post. I am getting nervous because so many girls over on 2nd tri have said the daycares they want have waiting lists til July 2011!! I haven't even started to look.

uagirl

We just finished interviewing daycares yesterday.  We are on the waiting list for our top 2 choices. 

Check with whatever agency regulates daycares in you state.  They were able to provide us with some good information as far as what to look for as minimum standards.

Here are some of the questions we used.

 

What is the sick/well policy?

What is the caregiver turnover rate?

How often will LO switch rooms?

What kind of schedules are the infants on?

What kind of feedback can I expect on a daily or weekly basis?

What is the normal feeding and changing schedule like?

What is the policy on breast milk bottles and formula bottles?

What kind of training do the teachers go through?

Is there an infant curriculum?  What kind of learning activities are used with infants?

What is the child/teacher ratio in each room?

Does each baby have their own crib and how often are sheets changed?

How often are toys sanatized?

Do you encourage parents to drop by during the day?

What do I need to provide for my child?

What type of security do you have?

What are the state licensing requirements of this facility?

What kind of lunch and snacks do you provide for the older children?  Sample menu?

Has any child suffered serious injury or died while in your care?

 

historychick79

I'm beginning the process over the next few weeks too, my first visit is Tuesday! the list above is pretty good. I also want to ask about where they change diapers, how they sanitize the area; do infants get time outside when weather appropriate. Will they provide reports on eatings, changings, activities they plan to have for the child each week/month. What is security like--if someone other than you or DH will pick up the child, how is that coordinated/confirmed? Can you see the children area from outside, or how protected are they. Also, when is sick too sick to bring the child in, or with what conditions would they call to let you know the child should go home. There's a lot to cover