Wondering how to navigate the daycare world? Here is your guide for daycare: how to choose the right one! This is by no means an exhaustive list but it’s a terrific guide to get you asking the right questions as you look for a daycare for your child.
Make you get updates during the day
Is the daycare equipped with cameras?
What is the pick up and drop off process? You need to make sure it feels secure enough for you!
How can you check in on your child during the day?
Are on going updates guaranteed?
Take a tour: How will your child be looked after
Among the things I would suggest looking out for would be,
Where are their beds for naps?
What is the condition of the indoor and outdoor play areas?
What is the procedure for diapering? potty?
Do you need to provide your own diapers and wipes?
What is the condition of the books/toys and variety? I’m not talking about the colors of the dolls skin, but actual variety, such as imaginative play areas, learning blocks, stacking blocks, wooden puzzles, tactile puzzles, soft toys like puppets etc.
What is the procedure for keeping the eating/play area and toys clean?
Health and nutrition
Find out when the meal times are and request a tour of the kitchen!
Are they eating fresh or canned foods?
Who is creating the menu? Is it a registered dietitian?
Where can the weekly menu be found?
Is the posted menu actually followed? (This may seem like a no brainer but, I have experienced my little one given entirely different meals than those posted).
What is the daily schedule?
Do the children go outside everyday?
Do they have parties? If so,
When are they and what time of day are they? My one year old was fed 2 sugar cookies at a St. Patricks day party that I no knowledge about. Gasp! We don’t do sugar like that. Which leads me to the next question…
What are they offered to eat at the parties?
Where does the party food come from? (i.e. if comes from other parent’s homes like chopped fruit you want to be careful. We have experienced a post party major diarrhea episode).
Can you have trial days to see if your baby will like it?
Interview teachers
Don’t just ask about what’s in it for your child but also what do they enjoy. This can also give you a clue you into their personality. This is not only helpful, to get a more wholistic picture of who is taking care of your child, but also gift ideas to show them appreciation.
What are the teacher’s qualifications?
Do they follow a certain curriculum?
Do you get progress reports of your child’s development? Can you get an example?
I personally won’t ask “How long have you been doing this?” If the person doesn’t offer that information because it can be a very intimidating question even if you mean it innocently or just out of curiosity. And you really want to stay on the good side of the people that are in charge of your child while you are away!
I would sum it up by saying due your due diligence and feel out as much as possible. If you’re feeling uncomfortable about any potential situation pertaining to your child, bring it up and also go with your gut on this one.
But, remember that you cannot save your child from EVERYTHING and at some point you will have to trust that your child is ok and well cared for. That you don’t have to overcompensate when your child is with you.
Because, at the end of the day, you really don’t want to be raising a brat.
This guide to daycare: how to choose the right one should get you asking all the questions that are important to your values and help you to chose the right daycare for your child.