Questions to Ask Home Daycare Provider

Emilia0101

I am starting to look into the option of possibly sending LO to a home daycare provider very part time. I teach at a local college and I need to establish on campus office hours in addition to my two night a week class. What questions did you ask? Was it hard to find a provider willing to offer part time hours? Anything you don't like about your home provider or things you do like? Thanks ladies!

Jimsgirl5821

Mine is my next door neighbor The only biggie I can think of is what happens if she is sick or needs a day off. My provider lets me know well in advance if she is going away for a couple days or needs an afternoon off for one of her own kid's school functions, etc. Also, just something to keep in mind, I bought DD her own bouncy seat for daycare. The sitter had PNP's for everyone to nap in, but stuff like chairs, they  need their own. Oh, and I would ask about food as well. Do you send finger foods, or will she cook breakfast/lunch for your LO?

amh51207

How many other children and their ages? Where will LO sleep?

I really like that our DCP only keeps the kids on one level of the house, so she doesn't need to worry about stairs and all the kids are close at all times. If you can, meet with the potential DCP while the kids are there. I learned a whole lot about what I DON'T want in a daycare by doing this.

rockylover

I think you ask mostly the same questions you ask any provider. You want to make sure what their policies and rules are and then decide if it works for your needs. Good Idea to ask about food and supplies and what you need to supply or don't. I found that home daycare's were MORE flexible with Part Time or off hours. You will also want to check their references or find out if they are licenced. I LOVE my home daycare provider.. once we got all the questions out of the way I got to see her interact with my LO and she is like part of the family now. It's also handy becuase she offers care if we want a date night or a special occasion. Good Luck!