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It is time to select child care for your little one. Whatever situation that brings you to this point, you may be filled with uncertainties.
In my quest to find safe, comfortable and nurturing childcare for my daughter I compiled a list. I feel it is rather extensive but by no means complete. Hopefully, it may help alleviate your concerns and questions about a provider, day care or preschool you are researching.
My list in no particular order of importance:
Are there any openings?
If not, do you expect any? When?
What age group does my child fall into?
Is my child required to be potty trained to be in the program? Do you potty train? My daughter is already trained, Will you reinforce?
What are the hours of service?
Do you have references?
Please list names/numbers and duties performed.
How many years of experience do you have with children?
Do you have your own children?
What are your ideas on discipline?
How do you discipline?
What are your qualifications?
Have you ever had any trouble with the law?
Are you trained for emergencies?
Do you know CPR? BLS?
Are you certified?
May I see your certifications?
Do you have smoke detectors?
Where are they?
Fire extinguishers?
Where are they?
Are they working?
How often are they tested?
Are there Fire Drills?
How Often?
How many other children will be in your care at the same time mine are here?
Do you have an assistant?
Do you have any child care certifications? Your
assistant?
Is the facility State, county certified?
What is the cost?
It is sliding scale/based on income?
Do you offer 'scholarships' to help with fees/tuition? what are the requirements?
Are you opposed to Drop ins? Ask about drop in policy?
Am I allowed to stay during transition phase?
What type of activities will my child be doing?
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS:
What happens when there are inclement weather conditions?
What happens if I am late to pick up my child? Is there a fee for repeated tardiness?
Do you have sick bay?
SOME FACILITIES PROVIDE SERVICES:
Do you provide pickup/drop off bus service?
May I have my child picked up at one location then dropped off somewhere else?
Are there any screening services? Hearing? Visual? learning?
What method is used for teaching? Child led?
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Do you smoke? Does your assistant? If so where? In the home, hall, outside?
Since I would not leave my child in the care of a smoker, I feel I must ask.
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If you know others who utilizes this person/facility for child care, get their opinions. Ask why they chose? If they are happy?
Call references, check certifications.
Do a Background check.
If you have a bad GUT feeling -- Don't IGNORE it.
This is your child! Ensuring his/her safety will give you peace of mind when you cannot be around.
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