I live in a very small town ( pop. 9000 )and am needing to go to work. I have two girls ages three and one and a half. I really don't know anyone here yet. How do I know if they are good and safe?
2006-08-01 08:30:04 · 39 answers · asked by donworybhapy 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
A good, reliable child care provider will have a background and child-predator check, a certification from the state and possibly other state certified documents, and be able to provide you with references.
Both in-home and center type daycares have their pros and cons. You need to weigh these out and see which one works best for you. Personally, if i was going to send my child to daycare, i'd try and find a state certified in-home provider. They are usually less expensive and normally able to give better one on one attention. However, i would make sure that the majority of the kids were around my daughters age, ask about activities the kids would participate in, how much-and what- t.v. she lets them watch, what she is feeding them for lunch, etc. Often times because it's just one or two babysitters things like this slack. There is very rarely any organized activities for the kids and almost never focus on learning. But, if i can't be there, i belive it's more important to focus on safety than "oh no my kid won't learn anything if she goes here" kids will learn regardless, i'd rather her not know her ABC's by 4 than to get abused...I have found that the home sitter is generally more watchful, less likely to lose their temper, and more patient with the kids. There are less kids to deal with so less stress on the daycare provider. Less kids also means less likely hood of the other kids getting mean towards your child as so often happens in daycare.
Basically it comes down to what you feel comfortable with. I would strongley reccomend researching providers in your are of both types. Get referals from other moms in your neighborhood, church, work etc. Then check them all out extensivly. Ask each place if you can observe for a few hours. If they say no, then don't even give them a second thought. Any reputable place will allow a prospective parent to investigate and watch. Make a list of questions that are important to you, take this list to every place you visit. Do not settle.I know it sounds tedious, and it is, but the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with who is watching your children while you are not there. Also, i would rather spend a few extra dollars to ensure my childs safety than to send her somewhere i did not trust just for the sake of saving a buck.
2006-08-01 08:53:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an in-home day care provider and the best advise I can give is to do your research. Some in-home daycare is great and some isn't, it's the same with a center.
Ask some key questions:
Is it OK to stop by any time (to interview) or should I make an appt? (Even if you have to make an appt it might be OK but figure out why. I like parents to feel comfortable to drop by my house anytime, but I warn them that I may not be able to sit and chat with them - could be craft time, lunch, etc.)
Do you have references? (Don't just get them, CALL THEM)
What is your method of discipline?
How much one on one time will my child get, if any?
How much tv is allowed per day?
Are there cameras in the center? (some day care facilities are able to put their cameras online so parents can check on their kids throughout the day.)
What is the ratio of children to provider? Is the provider already too full for your comfort?
Be very frank and honest, these are your kids! I know that I would rather risk upsetting someone with a question than being left to wonder while my kids were under their care.
Good luck.
2006-08-01 08:43:02 · answer #2 · answered by peachiegirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you consider good and safe. As a daycare provider, I say it's up to the kids. Most parents like to see how their child reacts in new settings. Home day cares are better in that the amount of kids is less so the one on one care is greater, whereas in a daycare, the classrooms are usually full of kids. Putting them in the center gives them a better chance to develop their social skills as well as verbal communication. I'd say go with your instinct. If your kids do not respond well to one setting, you could always opt for the second choice. Be aware that leaving your kids in day care is never an easy thing, but kids adapt easily. Day cares are usually very lenient about letting parents visit any time they wish. You may also call in or stay a while and watch them play.
2006-08-01 08:37:42 · answer #3 · answered by Mexoricana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the school and the individual providing the day care. I've had both. Some were excellent others were not as good. Your state should have a website for registered Day care providers. This is a good compromise. Those people who are state registered like in NJ, must undergo a criminal background check, In addition, the state also checks anyone over the age of 14 but living or working in the day care setting. I hope this helps!
2006-08-01 08:36:44 · answer #4 · answered by amkornele 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both of my kids went to the same in-home daycare. My oldest child was there untill kindergarten and my little one is still there. I have known the lady that runs it for a long time and I feel very comfortable with her. I had an option to try a large center but was very put-off by it. Their rules can be stricter and their are usually more kids at any given time. There are however some advantages to the large centers. They tend to offer more features education wise and may offer better preparation for school. In-home centers may or may not offer some educational features but they do tend to be more of an intmate setting with smaller groups of children. Any one running a for-profit daycare center from their home must be licensed and you can uaually look that license up with the state. Your state may also have a website that lists accredited providers in your area. As for personal options, I would only want my kids at an in-home day care. For me it was better financially (way cheaper) and it was a better fit to how I want my kids to be raised.
2006-08-05 09:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by allisonmvieira 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a home daycare provider. Both can be good choices. It just depends on what you want. For some the in home environment is what they are looking for. More one on one with the children than a center. Some want the socialization that comes from kids in larger centers. Check them out. Ask for references. Find out if you are allowed to just drop in unannounced to see your children. Check out the facility. Is it clean, well staffed, lots of activities for your kids. Are they licensed through the state you live in??? If they are check with the service agency that issues the license. Any complaints??? Also do you feel comfortable with the people you meet. Do they seem friendly, nurturing, intelligent...... In a small area you should be able to ask around and see what other people think. If you don't feel completely comfortable with a place whether it is in home or a center don't leave your children there.
2006-08-01 08:40:10 · answer #6 · answered by miss_nikki214 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a mother of 4 and I also used to be a private nanny, so I always say at home. You can go to the county and find out which department does the licensing for day cares and schools. If you want to have someone come into your home, just place an ad in the newspaper and start interviewing. When you find someone that you like, pull a credit report, a driving record and a criminal report. That will insure you and your family that you are getting someone trustworthy and responsible to take care of your kids and be in your home. The driving and criminal record are pretty understandable but the credit report is something that was done on me for my last job. It just told the employers that I was who I said that I was and also to make sure that I didn't owe a lot of money to creditors. They wanted to make sure of that so I wouldn't rob them blind and sell their things to pay for my debt. I didn't know that at the time, but I will know and do that from now on.
2006-08-01 08:39:27 · answer #7 · answered by brittme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say day care center, allows for more socialization for your kids. Check with the better business bureau, and if you find a day care, ask for the name and numbers of other kids that attend from the owner. Call and ask other parents, if they seem helpful and tell you great things (and also tell you they are not related to the owners or personal friends) I would say you found a good place. I would also try contacting childrens services to find out how you can get more information on a day care.
2006-08-01 08:35:13 · answer #8 · answered by quirkyk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer day care centers because they are licensed and checked out periodically by the state and most of the teachers have some training. I just feel they are safer than in home day care.
However, in home day care is usually cheaper. You can find someone good, but I'd do a background check before I left them alone with my kids. You can do one on the internet for as little as $50 and get their credit and criminal history.
2006-08-01 08:35:05 · answer #9 · answered by janicajayne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your other Q. indicates your income, around $10.00 per hr.
It would be very difficult to find babysitting service for two, which is affordable.
Most care centre will not take one and a half year old child and most require child be potty trained.
In home day care by an individual, is your best bat. Hope you can find some one.
Good luck
2006-08-06 03:44:57 · answer #10 · answered by minootoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋