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A question for you ladies re: Day care research
I am due in November and I am beginning the search for day care/child care providers. I've tried, without much luck, over the past couple of weeks to do some googling on the best way to begin researching day care centers/providers, the questions to ask, etc., but I just cannot find a good resource. I guess I was hoping that there was a guide out there on how to do this or a place to find a listing of day cares in my area, but I'm not coming across anyting.
Are there any tips you could share with me on how I should tackle this?
Thank you.
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Re: A question for you ladies re: Day care research
I never found a good online guide either. I asked around a lot - co-workers, neighbors, etc. Then I went and toured the ones that were given positive reviews. Seeing them in person and being able to compare what I liked about one vs. another was the most helpful. Also, make sure you set up a meeting with a director b/c I feel it is important to hear their philosophy and managing style.
We ended up at the last minute finding someone to come into our home but I am happy to have the search done b/c if something happens with our nanny I know where we want to go.
Thank you both very much!! I went to my state's gov't site and found some qualifications I should look for. I'm also going to go through their list of licensed providers. I definitely want to ask neighbors, too, just to get ideas of places to visit and tour in our area.
Thank you thank you!
The best research is done on foot. Start scheduling tours with all of the daycares in your area, even the ones that you don't think you'd go with. You'll quickly start weeding out ones that you are more comfortable with.
You can contact your state health department to get inspection reports.
There are no "right" or "wrong" questions to ask. Think about the things that are most important to you, and ask about them. Remember, you're interviewing them for the job, not the other way around.
I have been asking everyone I know who has young children about their recommendations. I have prioritized according to those closer to work or home and started touring. On the first tour we weren't sure what to ask other than costs but as you see things and compare others you'll be inspired to ask more questions.
We generally ask about:
Access and pick up policies (What happens if Gma needs to get them? for example)
Cleaning procedures and bedding
Potty facilities for training age
Curriculum which children are taught and the different stages
Food provided for children of age
One daycare we looked at offered live video feed to watch the LO and I think that is awesome so I'll be asking all the rest if they offer something like that.