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So, I'm Researching Daycares. . .

tabi_jatabi_ja
in Stay at Home Moms

Well, Mom's Day Out, actually.

I found a program that I like the look of (and the price of), so I'm planning to call them tomorrow.  What sorts of questions do I need to ask?

I feel like I should know this, but I am drawing a blank. :) 

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Re: So, I'm Researching Daycares. . .

  • jenifairiesjenifairies

    Food - what do they feed for lunch/snacks/times/do you provide or do they

    Discipline - what methods do they use

    Class size and teacher ratio - like are all ages together?

    Sleep - they should do naps. do they help the kids to sleep? can you bring loveys? at dd's she can bring a pillow, blanket and lovey. she's a crappy napper, and her teacher took it upon herself to rub dd's back til she falls asleep. it's sweet.

    Is it drop in or contract/commitment for a semester? will there ever be additional fees (like for activities or fundraisers) is there a vacation or sick policy? do you pay monthly/weekly?

    religion - is it a church? what do they teach the kids? this one was of interest to me because we are not religious and i signed her up at a church mdo and later daycare.

    curriculum - what do they do with the kids? is it diff for the ages?

    weather/holiday related issues - when do they close? what temps/weather will they take them out or keep them in for play?

    ummm, i'll try to think of more.

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  • naturelle25naturelle25 member
    Security was really important to me. At our PDO program, each mom/dad gets a code to get in the door. We are not allowed to give it to anyone else, even if someone else is picking up. In that case, they have to get buzzed in by the coordinator and of course we have to notify them in advance.
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  • jenifairiesjenifairies

    good one naturelle. at alaina's dc you have to buzz for the director or her assistant to let you in, and if she doesn't know you (like i do p/u and d/o every day, so it's not really a thing anymore) they check id and the child's form in the office to see if you are approved to pick up. even when my mom went in and dd started yelling, "My grandma! HI!!!! Grandma!!!" they checked her id and compared to the list. Which is good.

    sick policies, too. when do you have to keep kiddo home?

    what sort of training do the employees have? background checks or schooling? mdo is more of a babysitting type deal than like, preschool, but i'd still want to know these things.

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  • wheelsonthebuswheelsonthebus member

    I run a home daycare. Some good questions to ask are:

    Licensing. If it's an in-home program, are they licensed? 

    Food. Is it included in tuition? What is served? Ask for a sample menu.

    Discipline. Are time outs used? Warnings? How is hitting and biting handled?

    Sick Policy. What is their policy regarding sick children?

    As for a copy of their handbook and contract to look over before making your choice.

    Also, I would ask if they still charge for when your child is out for illness or vacation. Is the program ever closed for vacation or sick time? Do you still pay?

     

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  • tabi_jatabi_ja
    You ladies are the best.  Thank you for your help!
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