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I need a day care that is inexpensive and is trustworthy.

2007-02-27 11:30:20 · 6 answers · asked by primamaria04 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting Toddler & Preschooler

6 answers

All the above suggestions are great--but they're forgetting the most important aspect of your child's care, which are the teachers in the daycare.
I'm an ECE (Early Childhood Educator) and I have worked in many daycares, terrible ones, and excellent ones. What was the main difference among them? Sure some were better funded than others, but at the end of the day...it was the way the staff interacted with the children. Some higher end daycares had very cold and impatient teachers, while some average ones had teachers who were the exact opposite....
To conclude: Meet the staff, try to volunteer at the daycare if possible....ask other parents what their experience with the staff has been like....

All the best

2007-03-02 13:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by Sara * 3 · 0 0

Definitely take the time to spend several hours (or even a full day) observing the normal routine at the daycare center. Watch carefully how adults interact with children. There should be absolutely no yelling, grabbing, pulling, etc. Make sure they are showing all children proper respect. I would also suggest making unannounced visits once your child starts, just to see what goes on between the times you drop her off and pick her up. Talk to your child about her time at preschool and follow-up if she says anything that alarms you. You would be surprised how the nicest teacher can turn into a witch the second mom leave the room. Most daycare staff are paid very little and work long hours in a high-stress environment. Take this into consideration!

2007-02-27 20:54:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Try looking for their website or perhaps the county has a workup page on the services they offer.

First you need to call and see if they meet the criteria of your needs. Do they have a schedule of activities, or do they simply stuff them in a room of toys and a tv? Do they have snack, or will you need to be on a rotation. Are they available for overtime? What are their hours of operation. What are their attendance rules?

It is also nessasary to have a 'back up' daycare in case of call off or if they decide to close. Back up plans are essential to every working parent.

If you're not to shy, ask a few people who are dropping off their child or you can even ask to sit in on a day free of charge to them, but essentially so you can watch how things are run. Ask for references and check with the county sherriff's office if there have been any offences reported at that daycare.

2007-02-27 19:41:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I started by looking at what was close to my house or close to my work. I went with close to my work, because I wanted to have the baby around me in case she needed me.
I scheduled appointments with several daycares in the area of my choice.
Questions to ask:
Staff to child ratio
CPR certification?
Meals/Snacks....provided?
How do they keep the older kids from hurting the babies?
What about an emergency?
Do they take the kids out anywhere? where?
Activities? TV? What do they do all day?

I found the BEST place.......it is a learning center. They have a baby room, a 1 year old classroom, a 2 year old classroom, and they start preschool when they are 3. There are requirements to move from one room to the next (age and some development steps). They have fully trained CPR certified staff. They keep all supplies (that I bring) on hand so I only have to bring the baby, each baby gets their own crib. They provide all her food and snacks (I bring bottles) It is wonderful. And it is reasonable in price.
I was not impressed with the in-home daycares I looked at because there was no separation of the kids. I did not want my then 8 month old in with 2 and 3 year olds.......this way she is only in with babies, and next month she will move to the 1 year old classroom. she has met all requirements:
one nap per day
off the bottle
12 months old

Keep looking, check out the places, interview staff/owners. Don't settle.....you must be comfortable with your choice.....good luck!!

2007-02-27 20:31:32 · answer #4 · answered by ShellyLynn 5 · 0 0

Check this wonderful article about choosing the right daycare provider:
http://www.daycarebear.com/choosing-the-right-daycare-provider.php

2007-03-01 12:52:04 · answer #5 · answered by George C 2 · 0 0

Family based day cares are really a good way to go. I dont recommend ABC, alot of their staf arent fully qualified, and they dont get paid alot (which can lead to lots of unhappy workers, and high staff changeover).
Maybe a stay at home mum??

2007-02-27 20:14:50 · answer #6 · answered by skitsospice 2 · 0 0

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