A handy list of issues and questions for interviewing potential childcare providers
Communicating with a daycare provider before you hire him/or or enroll your child is very important. Below are various important questions the experts suggest parents should ask potential daycare providers.
What is the infant/toddler to staff ratio?
How many children are enrolled and how many are you licensed to care for?
Are there times of the year when the center is closed?
What fees does the center charge for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children?
Are there any additional costs (diapers, meals, transportation, etc.)?
Is there a charge for days when your child is absent due to illness or holidays?
Have all of the members of the staff had appropriate training in early childhood education?
Have staff members had training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), infant CPR, and first aid?
Are staff members responsible for caring for the same children on an ongoing basis, to ensure continuity of care?
Will any non-staff members have contact with your child (e.g. students, volunteers, etc.)?
Have background checks been conducted on these individuals?
What are the center’s behavior management policies?
What are the center’s policies for handling accidents and other serious occurrences?
What are the center’s policies regarding the administration of medications?
What are the center’s policies regarding caring for sick children?
Does the center have a policy of only releasing children to people whom the parents have authorized, in writing, to pick them up?
How is the day structured?
Are the meals varied, nutritious, and age-appropriate?
Are parents encouraged to drop by the center at any time?
What policies does the center have in place to encourage ongoing communication between parents and caregivers?
Choosing daycare for your child may seem a bit overwhelming, but it is an important process. In addition to criteria that are considered important in the process, you may want to ask yourself if your selection represents you and what you want your child to learn. An important thing to keep in mind about finding a day care facility is to listen to your intuition. If the environment isn’t friendly and inviting, it may be a red flag.
See related articles:
How to Select a Daycare Provider
