What do you look for in a daycare?

Question

I am looking to open my own daycare next year. What is important to you when you look for one? What do you think of the name "Guess Who's Happy"? The name is in honor of my father (the name of his boat and a long history to it). What are your concerns when choosing a daycare? Thanks for your opinions.

Answer 1

I like the name, very cute and different!

As a teacher, I looked for preschools for my daughter when she was 2-3. The things I looked for were:

Hygiene (did they have that "smell?")
Safety (how quickly did someone respond to me when I walked in the front door? Sometimes I was inside for as much as 5-10 minutes!)
Structured activities/Group time (I didn't want free, unstructured play all the time. Pre-academics and structured art activities are very important in developmental years.)
Ratio of caregivers to children (also legal!)
Outside activities and safety (fenced?)
Background checks on employees
Health Inspections
Healthful meals and snacks
Sick child policy
Discipline policy
Snow care policy
Toileting policy (were the bathrooms accessible to toddlers, and by who else? Were they ever left alone, or were others alone with them?)

And--the biggie--what was the policy concerning parental visits during the day? Many said NO!!! Even if my child couldn't see me, they said I couldn't peek in at her! Yikes!!

These were some things I looked for. It sounds like a lot, but you can never be too safe with your baby.

Answer 2

Well for daycare when my brother went, I looked for the experience the owner had. The same babysitter/daycare person that handled my brother also was mine. She was so good and was a great friend. Also the food is something to look for. If your child has an allergy, then special arrangements have to be made to avoid the big problem. My babysitter always made food with us and then we ate it (we made homemade pasta and cookies) The food was always healthy and the environment was great. Next, the kids there would be a factor/ the control the owner has. When I went there, there was this one bully that made fun of everyone, but my babysitter always took care of it, and now he isn't a bully but my friend. The name is really cool by the way.

Answer 3

Ask the boss how often they have to switch out employees...is a huge thing..I worked in a day care and they were always switching out the main teachers (worker) it was horrible the children were always getting new schedules and new plans and they all misbehaved just because of the lack of stability...cleanliness is a huge thing My boss also hired a woman who refused to wear deoderant......and really stunk badly. I would even say to look at how they file things just because if they are able to manage thier paperwork they will probably do a good job keeping things with the children organized. And you can generally get the feeling of the place by being there

Answer 4

1. I would make sure that they are licensed.
2. I like to know how they handle emergencies.
3. What activities are being offered.
4. How they handle sick children.
5. I like day cares that give you a daily report (summary) of what your child ate, bowel movements, and behavior.
6. How they handle children mis behaving?
7. If they are doing daycare out of their home I like to know
what household members will be in presences of my child
and if all household members have had a background check.

Last I would look up that state regulation for daycare. alot of times they will give you referrals and how they license their daycare providers

I like the name you should keep it.

Answer 5

Very cute name. Besides all the legal stuff (licensed, safety, child ratio) i looked for the following things:

-Friendly Staff: (are they welcoming, warm, creative and caring, experienced?)
-Ciriculum: (is my kid going to sit around all day or are there going to be fun and educational activities?)
-Child policies (What happens in emergency, sick, misbehaving or accident situations?)
-Outdoor Area (somewhere for them to play outside?)
- PARENTS WELCOME (can I pop in for a few minutes to see how things are going?)
-Facilities (where's the bathroom? where do the kids eat, play nap ect)
-Location (in someones home or a seperate building. On a main high way or in a neighboorhood type setting?)
-Hours (drop off and pick up times?)
-Staff Change (are we alerted when someone is fired/hired?)
-Cost (am i getting my moneys worth?)
-Summary (will i hear about anything wonderful/horrible things my child did that day?)

It may seem a lot but you have to remember that you may end up dealing with some very neurotic mothers. You can never be too prepared Good Luck!

Answer 6

I look for a place more interested in my child's welfare than the money I am going to be paying them.