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Give me some tips on picking a daycare!

CocoP2008CocoP2008
in Babies: 6 - 9 Months

I live in Canada, so I have been on maternity leave since June, and return to work full time this June.

I am starting to look into child care for my DD and am not really sure what I should be looking for in one. For those whose LO's are in daycare, what are your tips or advice for me? Should I go with an actual daycare, or an in home with just a few kids, etc.

Any advice is appreciated!

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Re: Give me some tips on picking a daycare!

  • AnnaBanana0327AnnaBanana0327

    Your DD's picture is adorable!  My biggest suggestion is to spend time there.  I met with 8 daycares before I had DD.  There were some I knew I would NEVER use after being there just a few minutes.  Others, I preferred because of the teachers in the infant room but it was important for me to find a daycare the DD could move up in.  Here's a good list of questions to start with.  Good luck- it's so hard!

    At a Day Care Center

    image Do caregivers have first-aid/CPR and child development training?

    image Is each child assigned to a primary caregiver?

    image How many children do you serve, and what are their ages?

    image What is the range of activities in which the children participate?

    image How large is the center? (There should be 35 square feet per child in order for each child to have enough room to play comfortably.)

    image Is the center licensed?

    image What happens if I need to bring my child early or pick him up late?

    image Do you let kids attend if they're not potty-trained or if they have a runny nose or a cough?

    image How do you discipline kids?

    image Is there an outside play area? Do kids use it every day?

    image Do you ever take children on outings off-site?

    image Will I be charged if I take a vacation or my child is sick?

    Family Day Care

    image How long have you been providing care?

    image Do you have first-aid/CPR and child development training?

    image Do you have a current state license or registration?

    image How many children do you care for? What are their ages?

    image Do you care for the same group of kids every day?

    image What is a typical day like for the children? How much time do they spend outside?

    image What meals and supplies do I need to provide?

    image Can I drop my child off early or pick him up late sometimes?

    image What happens if you are ill?

    image If my child gets sick, would you give him medication?

    image If my child misses a day, do I still have to pay?

    image Do you let children watch TV?

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  • arajfharajfh

    The previous post pretty much has all the questions you should ask, so I'm going to keep my response short. There are two main reasons why I love my daycare:

    1. it's a small center - there are only 7 infants in the infant room!

    2. The teachers are consistent, which was super important for me.

    When I toured some other centers, I couldn't believe that there were over 20 infants in one room, and the teachers were on different schedules every day (I don't think they had any full-time employees).

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  • jenlyn324jenlyn324

    The other posters pretty much nailed it.  One more thing...go with your gut.  the place that makes you feel warm and fuzzy and comfortable!  We went to 10 daycares (7 centers & 3 home places) in one day when were were looking (made it easier to really compare - and I took notes).  We didn't go with the newest center will all the bells and whistles, we went with the center where fell in love with the staff.  That mattered the most to me and my son LOVES it there!  And they love him.  He smiles as soon as we get there and is still smiling when I pick him up. 

     Good luck!  It can be a tough decision, but I say go with your gut :)

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  • doremi29doremi29 member

    We just started DS in a daycare 2 days a week only (we have been lucky enough to have my mom watching him 5 days a week up until now, and now she'll be watching him 3 and he'll be at the sitter the other 2).  I just wanted to add that we chose our lady, who is an in-home sitter type, because she was sooooo loving.  Mason is just 1 of 2 children and the other is a 2 year old little boy who just adores DS.  Between the sitter and the little boy, he's getting a ton of attention, hugs, and love.  At this age, I just think that's super important. 

    Finding part time care was not easy, but I was lucky enough to find 2 great options.  The other woman was more of a "daycare" type place but was still in-home.  She had a lot of kids there, but did have an assistant (she was within the state allowance, but he still would've been 1 of 12 children ages infant-3 years old).  For me, I just wasn't ready for that.  I know the woman would have been amazing- especially as he grew and needed structure.  For now, though, I want him to be loved and get lots of attention. 

    I knew we made the right choice- the first day (this past thursday) when I picked him up she had taken and printed off a few pics of him and the other boy so that I could scrapbook his first day at daycare.  I just thought that was super thoughtful of her.  She was also truly bummed when I picked him up Friday because she said she couldn't wait until the next Thursday when she'd have him again.  She started watching children when her children were young and didn't want to put them in daycare.

    I think you'll know when you find the right place.  Sorry for writing a book!!

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