best time of day to visit a day care?

superaunt · October 2009

I really need to get a move on picking a day care since I only have 8 weeks sick/vacay time coming to me so I'm wondering what time of day is the best to visit a day care? Or which would be the worst?

I'm going to try to hit up a couple this week and then go back later again with DH since day care will be nearby my work which is an hour from DH's.

Bonzer · October 2009

between 10-11 am I'd say. Most kids are there and in their routine by then, where at 8-10 am parents are dropping off and there is much chaos.

I'd say worst times are early morning and at end of day pick up. You really won't get a good feel for the place or what they do, it will just look like mayhem

mandi7782 · October 2009

I am actually a Director of a child care center and i would say the best time is around 10am. The room should be in full swing by then, you can see how they react to crying babies and a few babies needing to be fed all at once. Never go around 1pm that is usually nap time and it will seem calm and nice everywhere. I would think that you would want to see the place as hectic as it can be and see how the girls handle the children. Hope that helps

jessicaclare · October 2009

Ditto PP. 10-11 would probably be ideal for a tour. The kids are there, but not eating. You also don't really want to go in the afternoon, because that is naptime for the older kids.

I would do one scheduled tour and then ask if its ok to drop by sometime unannounced. I'd try to do a drop in later in the afternoon, probably around 3 or so for snacktime.

*MonkeyMoo's* · October 2009

When I was looking for daycares for my first son, I had to make an appointment with the facility for a walk through. I would give them a call, and I'm sure they would let you know when it's best to come in.

On the other hand, you may want to try just stopping in without an appointment and see what they say. Sometimes I think it's better to drop in unexpected to see what's going on, without giving them a chance to *prepare* for you to be there.

Andreaw1124 · October 2009

Hi, There.

We actually asked that same question, and the day care that we called told us that anytime should be a good time to just stop in and visit a daycare. Sure...there are some times that will be more busy or more quiet than others...but we were told to never visit a daycare that is willing to accept an appointment for you to come visit. You should be able to drop in and visit at any time during business hours.

superaunt · October 2009

Great, thanks for the advice! I think I'm going to just drop by several this week to get a vibe - and then call for when DH is coming. Uck, I hate doing this but don't have a choice so need to get moving. Looks like I'll be taking an early lunch the next several days!

Max'smom · October 2009

9:30-11 would be the best time at ours. It is after breakfast and drop off but before lunch and naptime and you will most likely be able to see the organized activites. Be sure to check out other rooms not just the infant room so you know what to expect later on.

Drop off time would be the worst time to be able to speak to the teachers or director.

nealbl · October 2009

We went around 4:30 which i like becuase we got to see how safe their child pick up really is. The daycare we like really preached about signing in and cameras everywhere and how strict their pick up rules were so I liked seeing it inaction.

Want a personalized experience?

best time of day to visit a day care?

Re: best time of day to visit a day care?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards