What are good questions to ask when interviewing a possible daycare?

Question

I will ask for references etc. What are some other good questions to ask. Thanks

Answer 1

Ask

"How does your facility discipline the children"

"What sord of meals and snacks will my child eat"

"How many hours of fresh air do the children get a day"

"How much tv do you allow the children to watch"

"What is your policy against strangers in the building"

"Can anyone pick up my child? Or can I make a list of those only to pick up my child?" (such as you and your husband, grandma...etc)

"How sanitary is your facility" (ask them how often they disinfect toys, bathrooms, wear gloves while changing diapers...etc.)

Answer 2

How are children organized? Find out the ages of the other children, ratio of adults to children, and any special room arrangements. Check out ALL the rooms, not just the room your child will be in. This will give you a better idea for the "feel" of the place. If you feel uncomfortable there, don't send your child! Never ignore your gut feeling...it has a way of being correct!
What do meals and snacks consist of? Many parents chose to bring food from home as either they had a picky eater or they did not approve of the menu that was used. You should check about the juices used too. Most places use a high sugar "juice" instead of real juice. Get a hard copy of a menu. If your child will be bringing their own food ask about a rate reduction.
Do you offer part-time or flexible care? Part-time jobs may only need part-time care. Some families may only need occasional care. Some centers offer transportation to and from school, and especially kindergarten.
What is your turnover rate? While a new provider shouldn't necessarily deter you from picking a provider, excessive turnover of staff should!
What backup care is provided in case of provider illness? Larger facilities often have backup plans in case, but if it is a home provider, a backup plan may be more difficult.
Ask to see the licence to operate. Copy down the number and call to verify that it is real and current.
Are you certified and/or accredited? Why or why not? What training do you have? Parents should know whether a provider has basic First Aid and CPR or behavior management training, for example. All classroom teachers should be certified in basic first aid and ALL types of CPR! There are also other accrediations like NAEYC, that you should ask about.
What kind of curriculum do you use? Why? Many places choose to use A Beka, but there are many to choose from. If they do not have a curriculum, find out why they do not!!!
What kind of physical movement/activity do they do each day? How much outside time do they get weather permitting?
What are the emergency procedures in case of a weather emergency, medical emergency, fire, ect.?
Do they have any violations or investigations pending? Depending on the state, any of these are supposed to be posted where anyone who walks in can see/read about the violation(s) or investigation(s). I do not know what state you are in, but you should see if your state has a website like this one: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/child_care/search_texas_child_care/default.asp

Answer 3

1) Do you have scheduled naptimes? (a daycare I used had 2 required naptimes a day and I did not know. I couldn't figure out why my toddler would NOT sleep at night.)

2) Are you first aid certified? Are all of your employees required to have first aid certification?

3) What are your policies regarding time-outs?

As far as the money aspect, ask this, without a doubt!

How many days per year does your daycare close for holidays? If closed on holidays that fall on weekdays do you still require payment for these days?

This is a question most people don't think about but I am so glad that I did! About 10 years ago I interviewed a daycare for the first time and thought to ask this question...she then informed me that she was not open at all for any federally recognized holiday and sometimes a day before or day after...plus she required payment for these days, too...in addition to that she took a 2 week vacation during the summer of each year during which time she still required that I pay her.

I shook her hand and walked out the door.

Answer 4

If they are a licensed daycare everyone that works there has already had a background check done through the state police. You should ask what their definition of discipline is? If they hesitate they are just trying to think of a good answer that will impress you. You want a copy of their rules and regulations, you want to know who is CPR/First Aid certified not all teachers have to be. There is also a watery safety class that has to be taken also find out who has it. Speak to parents that take their child already there they will give you the most honest answers that you are looking for. Also go to daycare unexpected never make an appt ever they are always on their best behavior if they know someone is coming, cleaning, ect ect....I have worked in day cares since I was in high school. GL

Answer 5

Your State should have a website where you can check all of the daycares and the results of their inspections. I know Indiana does. I would also ask them whether they make everyone who works at the facility (even cleaning people, cooks, etc) have a criminal background check. You should also ask them what kind of feedback you will hear about your child's day. I found that this is super important! I also found that when selecting a daycare, you have to HAVE TO go with your gut! Like if you visit a place and something just doesn't feel right about it, don't just chalk it up to being a nervous parent, find somewhere else!! Good luck! it's not easy...

Answer 6

Doing a background check is always good but as you interview keep your eyes open to the surroundings, is it a warm and friendly atmosphere? Are there alot of toys, how do the kids play with each other> Don't ask this watch this happen. Go with your feelings! If you don't feel quite right about something your intuition is probably right. That is a VERY important thing! Also, when you think you have found a place try it out first. Maybe drop your child off for a few hours a couple of times before hand and see how it goes. I did that and turned out to be beneficial. He didn't feel abandoned because he had been there before.....Just whatever you do, GO WITH YOUR FEELINGS!!!

Answer 7

How many other kids they have and the ages.
How many more they plan on taking. Who is responsible for lining up childcare in the event of the providers illness, etc.
What they menus are like.
what the structure of the day is like.
Sample situations of diciplinary measures.
Are they licensed?
Do they have CPR and first aid.
What happens if there is an emergency.
Have they had criminal records checks done on themselves and anyone else responsible for the care of the children.
WHY they do childcare.
Ask to see the contracts, transportation agreements, etc.
Ask what measures are ion place to protect YOU, the client. What happens when your child is sick and/or ill.
Can you drop in at any time with only a phone call?

There's a lot to ask, alot to know!! Good Luck! These are some of the things I try to provide parents with when interviewing. (I provide childcare from my home)

Answer 8

Take your child when you go to interview. This is how I found our sons amazing daycare lady when he was about 6 months old. I'd been to about 4 interviews and each one seemed not very interested in my son, they were too busy showing me the play area, craft area etc etc.
Then we went to interview this one lady and the first thing she did when we walked in was ask to hold our boy. She had him the entire time we were there, and when she was showing us around she was more talking to our boy then to us. I knew that she was the one for us.
My advice, follow your gut instinct. Our boy has been there everyday since and she was the best choice for our son. She shares our same discipline ideas as well as she has alot of my same mannerisms so he has learnt that her rules are our rules and vice versa.

Answer 9

Can I just drop by whenever I want to check on how my child's day is running. (If they say no, you might want to rethink keeping your child there)

Are all employees screened for abuse and negelect before they are hired, are they rescreened after a period of time?

What is the teacher student ratio? (You probably want less than 10 to 1 for 3-5 years.....3 to 1 for 1-3 years)

What is your policy on late pick up or early drop off? (Some charge about $5 per 15 minutes)

What snacks and meals are served?

Do specialist come in from special school district to evaluate the children for problems, etc.? If there is a problem will the child receive services while at school. (you want this to be a yes)

What is the turnover of employees? (If they can't keep a solid staff for several years, somethings wrong and people aren't happy)

Answer 10

References can be fake! Don't just go by that. I would do a background check. You should ask what forms of punishment they tend to use. Get to know their background as well their family life etc...You may ask them to name people that like them and people that don't and why...you are a parent and putting your kids lives in someone else's hands...You have every right to ask hard questions.