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2nd Trimester
VABride2008
member
Questions for childcare provider
VABride2008
member
So I just got off the phone with a potential childcare provider. We're meeting with her on Thursday. From the phone interview, I got a really good feeling, but I want to make sure I'm prepared when we meet in person. Any suggestions/questions that I should ask? Thanks!
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Re: Questions for childcare provider
Here's the crazy list that I brought with me! I Googled around and found some of the questions, things that I would never have thought to ask.
What is the typical day to day routine for infants?
What?s the ratio of caregivers to infants? Caregivers to toddlers?
Are there security cameras that we could view while at work?
What is the feeding schedule?
Is food provided when children begin to eat solids food or can the parents provide their own?
Do you still have to pay for days when the baby is not there? For instance, if we keep the baby home with us for a day? Or during holidays and vacations?
What is your vaccination policy?
What degrees, certificate, licenses, etc do the employees hold?
Have the employees had background, criminal, and drug tests?
Do you have a written contract?
What are the hours?
What is your policy regarding sick children? Are kids with a common cold permitted? Are kids with a fever permitted?
What is your discipline policy?
What is your staff turnover rate?
Is the center licensed by the state?
How many children are being cared for during the day?
How long has the center been in business?
Are all staff member CPR/First Aid certified? Including Infant CPR?
Can parents visit during the day? (if the answer is no, why? This could be bad)
Are there references? (parents, etc)
Has any child suffered serious injury or died will under the care of an employee?
What is the policy if my child is injured or sick? Am I contacted immediately?
Both times I've been forced to look at care outside the home for my child, I went to two places - one turned out to be "absolutely not" and I knew that before anyone spoke a word. Nothing she could have said could have talked me out of my gut feelings. The second places were instantly "yes" and that was only further confirmed with the tours, meeting teachers, etc.
When we were touring schools for DS for K-3, FIL was fond of Montessori and despite DH and I being adamant that it was wrong for DS, FIL pushed and we decided to give it a try. We were right, the school actually determined it was not a good fit after several months (and collecting the entire year's tuition). This year, we're at the school we initially wanted last year and felt fabulously about, it has been the best experience ever and DS will continue to go there through 8th grade.
ETA: The point of this is that regardless of questions, etc., (as most providers are going to interview well and do it regularly), go with your gut instinct. You will know what is best for your child.
I work at a childcare facility in Texas, not sure where you're located. Our ratio is 1 teacher to 4 infants (6wks-12 months) then you have my class which is the 12- 18 month olds and I can have 5, again that is in Texas. But a good or great center will go by your feeding schedule. We ask that you provide with a schedule with as much detail about your baby and what schedule you have them on as possible. We ask that those be updated whenever you change at home.
If I were you I'd ask if they provide the crib sheets and if so how often do they change them and what detergent they use to wash their bibs, sheets and wash cloths.
Also how many teachers will be caring for your baby in any given day? Like is there an opening teacher and a closing teacher? Or is there someone that gives breaks that will be in there. Are their 2 teachers in the class all day or just one?
Ask if the room is monitored throughout the day by a supervisor or other staff member.
Ask if they have an open door policy.
What cleaning products do they use? (Bleach water? or product?)
How often are the toys and changing mats sterilized?
What experience does the teacher have that will be caring for your baby and how long have they worked with that age group.
**You can look up your state licensing facility online and they will post any problems and violations that the center has been cited on.