I will probably need to put my 2 year old son in daycare within the next month or so. It will be part time--about 15 to 20 hours a week. I will be going to visit some in the next couple of weeks. So, what kinds of questions would you ask while visiting? What would you look for to indicate that the daycare is good (or bad)? I want to make sure that they give high quality care.
These are not home daycares in case it makes any difference. I assume it will be okay to ask questions. Right?
Also, are there preschools for children this age? If so, what would the difference between a daycare and preschool be? Thanks for any ideas and input.
2007-07-25 16:59:31 · 7 answers · asked by blooming chamomile 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
There is state certification and national certification--only certain day care centers go the extra step to get certified nationally (this requires more training and education of staff). Look for centers that have both. Ask all the questions that you want--do not hesitate!!! Make sure to ask about the staff (how long they have been there, what type of breaks do they get, what background checks are done). I work in Child Protective Services and it is amazing how many mothers that have children in out of home care still work in day care centers (because many people do not get criminally charged for child abuse/neglect if a day care center does not do a thorough background check they will miss this--don't mean to worry you). When I looked beyond asking questions and getting answers I asked if I could observe in the room for 15 to 20 minutes--watch the children interact--do they look happy, are they relaxed, do they look to the caregivers for approval or help. What does the center smell like, is there art and interesting things decorating the room. Preschool isn't until 3 (usually) but day care centers should still provide educational activities for your two year old.
2007-07-25 17:31:03 · answer #1 · answered by CJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that I would ask the daycare about any legal actions. You can ask to see the CPR certifications, along with any state licensing.
In addition to those already mentioned, you can ask about certain communicable sicknesses and their frequencies (chicken pox, lice, pink eye). These are three highly contagious ailments (not generally medically serious), however they do involve medical treatment and time off work. Ask about their procedures/notifications regarding these types of issues.
As to surprise visits, they should welcome them. Do be careful though. What you may think is a cold reaction, may be their schedule. I made a surprise visit to my son's daycare and was treated kind of coldly (they did not want to show me the facility). As I started to get a little upset, I was told it was naptime.
Some daycares have webcam. Mine did, and it was only $5 per week. That was an expense I was glad to pay. I got a sign-on and pass word assigned, which was immediately invalid a couple of days after my son left. If they do offer webcam, ask how long the signon/password is valid after you discontinue the service. (If the child no longer attends, parents no longer need access. It would concern me if the site was still available for viewing after it was no longer needed. I would not want a stranger with no reason-ie no child in the facility-- being able to watch children over the internet, ya know).
After your visit and interview, you can also contact the health department and the county/city/state to investigate any reports, complaints, or legal action. Asking the facility, if there has been as issue they will defend their actions or downplay the incident. If you do find an issue, you can ask about it. Watch their response. If they badmouth the parents or downplay the incident, it could be a bad sign.
You can ask other parents to get referrals and 'inside' information.
2007-07-26 00:34:02 · answer #2 · answered by tipperwell 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow.. what a good question... I would make a list of all the questions that come in to you... jot them down.. U have some good ones already.. then when calling around... my first question would be... I have several questions I would like to ask while visiting.. will the administrator be in to answer them?
Find out if any one has a police record that is working there and if so what for?
You do not need a child molester watching your child...
that is your pride and joy..
find out what the schedule will be for your child being there,even if it is only going to be p/t..
If u are going to be working .. and you will have access to a computer.. find out if you can hook into theirs and watch your child during the day...
In my state.. Head start programs begin at age 3...
I don't care if it is a pubic or private daycare.. you can not be too careful..
some days drop in unexpectedly...
Know that your child will most likely cry the first week as my did...
Hope this helps..
2007-07-26 00:30:32 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ Blondie ♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can tell a lot from the vibe of the place...but ask for references, not just of current parents, but parents who have removed their children also...find out why they left, etc.
I dont think there is preschool for 2 yrs olds, they usually start at 3, and the only difference is they attempt to teach them in a little more structured way. They dont sit them down and point to a chalkboard, but they begin to introduce them to strctured learning.
For specific questions, make sure you ask about their sick/vacation policy, their discipline policy, how do they handle biters/hitters, what type of foods they serve, and if they will substitute with a picky eater, and ask their overall childcare philosophy.
Good luck and go with your instinct!
2007-07-26 00:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by Jessica 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How many children is one person watching?
How old with the person watching your child be?
How much it cost?
Does everyone know CPR?
What age group with your child be put into?
Just a few I could think of. Hope I helped. Good luck.
2007-07-26 00:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by Liizzz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont' have any children...but one of my most important questions would be if they have ever been sued or any legal action against them? Watch for their response. If they seem uneasy or do not exactly answer your question I would go the other direction. I would also ask how they do background screenings, if they drug test employees, or have surprise inspections.
2007-07-26 00:07:41 · answer #6 · answered by littleK 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
how many children in one room, coz it's better the less than 10 kids in one room.
how much it cost
how long they operate that certain daycare
are all their teacher well trained
check their facilities. or it's better make a list of all you want to ask before visiting
2007-07-26 02:03:15 · answer #7 · answered by Aileen O 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋