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Daycare ?'s from a PAIFer

Sunshine05Sunshine05 member
in Success after IF

Hi, sorry this is going to be a post-and-run because I'm about to leave work, but I'll check it later this evening.  I'm a PAIFer who's getting a little late start to looking for daycare b/c I didn't really want to accept that we're just not going to be able to swing me being a SAHM.  :(  We're going to check out the one we really hope to use (very close to home, very reasonable prices, attached to a church, and sounds great from their website). 

I'm wondering what sorts of questions we should be asking and what we should be looking out for during our visit.  All I know so far is that there are separate classes for newborns (6w-12mos), walkers (13mos-18mos), toddlers (19mos-24mos), 2 y/o, 3 y/o and 4 y/o... and there are two classes per age group.  They're open 6am-6pm M-F.  There is a $75 application fee, $75 yearly registration fee, and they're $135 weekly with no extra supplies or fees (they supply wipes, snacks, and meals).  It's newer (built in 2006), there is a full commercial kitchen with chef, playground divided into age zones, saltwater aquarium, classrooms with computers for the older kids, an isolation room for sick children, a full-time LPN, and all teachers hold between associate's to master's degrees.  Thoughts?  I appreciate it!!

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Re: Daycare ?'s from a PAIFer

  • kme930kme930 member

    What is the child to staff ratio?

    How do they divide infants up between the two classrooms? (There is a HUGE difference between a 12 week old and a 12 month old - how do they prevent the big kids from standing or crawling - literally - all over the little kids?)

    Do they have swings and other containment-type toys in the room? How do they use them? (FWIW, I never had an issue with my DCP putting DS in a swing from time to time, as long as he wasn't there all day.)

    What kind of information do you get about your child's day? Ask them to show you the daily summary sheets.

    What is their sick policy? (Fever or just started antibiotics within the past 24 hours, has pink eye or other highly contagious disease = out is pretty typical, but is theirs more strict?)

    What kind of activities to children do every day? Is there a lesson plan? (Yes, even for infants!)

    But honestly, most importantly, how do you feel when you go there? Does it feel like a happy place? Do the teachers seem loving? Do the children seem loved? THAT is what is most important.

    Good luck, I know this is a hard decision made even more difficult by the fact that you wanted to SAH. If you have any other questions, let us know!

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  • Sunshine05Sunshine05 member
    Thanks for all your insight.  I appreciate you taking your time to reply.
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  • klausklaus

    I'll add a few:

    Find out if they have someone certified to give medicine.

    How long has the staff been there, what is the turnover like.

    Do you have to do any fundraising?

    Will they rock to sleep, pat back, etc.?

    Do they put on sunscreen/hats when going outside?

    Will they stick to your schedule or do they want all babies on the same schedule?

    If you are breastfeeding, are they familiar/experienced with bottle feeding a breastfed baby?

    If you drop off early, do all the infants go to one room and then move rooms when the rest of the staff and the majority of theinfants get there?  Do they combine age groups in the morning/evening when numbers are lower?

    What's the security like?  Parents sign in/out, who is able to pick up child and do they check their id...

    Can you drop by whenever you want?

    Can they bring their own blanket?  Food?

    Good luck.  It's so hard picking a DC.  Do you have friends in the area that might be able to recommend one?  At least then you wouldn't be going in blind. 

    Cricket's Cadence
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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  • Sunshine05Sunshine05 member

    Thanks for more question ideas!  I checked them from my phone but didn't have time to reply as we toured the place this morning.  I got most of these questions that you guys listed answered, but might follow up about a couple more that you mentioned if I don't see them answered in their handbook. 

    All in all, I really liked it and they seemed great!  I appreciate your helping me out with such a huge decision!  :)

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