I need a great daycare for my 3 year old, in the madison, fitchburg wi area-?

Answer 1

There are several places you could look to find a good child care facility in any city or state in the country. You can call the Licensing and Certification department for the child care centers in your state. Ask them to send you any complaints that they have investigated or received and whether there are any child care facilities that have been cited for health department violations or child abuse violations. The licensing department in every state will usually give you this information for free or for a nominal fee. You can also check with your local health department or those who have to check with the child care center to make sure they maintain proper cleaning procedures and immunization records. You can also find the local fire marshall and ask if he/she has found any major violations in child care centers around your community. I hope this helps.

If you have a specific child care in mind---go and sit outside the childcare center at 6:00 p.m. and ask the parents who are picking up their children. They are a fountain of information.

Answer 2

Although I do not know specific Preschools in your area, I am a Preschool teacher so I can give you some tips of what to look for when you visit ones you are interested in. Call around all the preschools in your area and ask a couple of questions over the phone. Ask about fees, opening hours, holiday closures, the age of the children at the centre, waiting list length and any cost to put your child's name on the list. Decide which Preschools suit your needs and make an appointment to go visit them. I feel that it is better to call so that someone will be available to show you around. Here are some specific things to look for when you visit:
* Look at the building. Is it clean and safe? Are there heaps of resources/toys for the children to play with?
* What is the play area outside like? Is there room for the kids to run? Is the equipment safe and well maintained?
* Are the staff friendly and happy? Are they getting down on the children's level and interacting with them or are they standing back watching and/or talking with each other?
* Do the kids currently at the centre appear happy? Are they playing well or running around causing havoc?
* Do the teachers plan for each child individually? Do they write down observations of what the child is doing and plan activities based on the children's interests and needs?
* Have a look at the major policies, including child protection, behaviour management, and food preparation/diets (if food is provided by the centre).
* What is your gut feeling telling you? If you are not confident, it will be harder for you to trust them with your child!!

I hope this helps!