Finding a quality daycare provider to care for your child in your absence is one of the most important and often challenging tasks parents today face. Whether you are enrolling your child for the first time or changing providers for some other reason, it is imperative you do your homework before entrusting strangers with your child’s health and safety.
Parents can learn a lot about a potential daycare provider by asking the following pointed questions. Pay attention to the answers to ensure you are selecting the best possible daycare provider for your child.
1. What is the child-staff ratio?
The more the merrier is not always the case when it comes to childcare. Infants and toddlers require a great deal of individual attention, therefore it is important to know how many children are in the charge of one caregiver. There are standards set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics which can be used as a guide to determine if the group size and child to staff ratio is correct.
2. Is the daycare provider licensed?
Ask if the daycare is licensed or registered with any local government agency. Licensing is not required by all caregivers however in most cases a licensed or registered daycare center will have stricter standards than those who do not. Do not be afraid to ask to see certification for daycare centers that claim to be licensed.
3. What requirements must the staff meet in order to be hired?
Your child’s safety and happiness depends on the staff. The daycare provider should have a set of standards that each employee meets before they are permitted to care for children. Is the staff experienced and well trained? Does everyone know basic first aid and CPR? Does the daycare provider require all staff (including those that do not have direct contact with the children) to submit to criminal background checks? These are important questions that will help you determine whether or not the caregivers are qualified to care for your child.
4. What are the policies on discipline and injury?
The daycare provider should have specific procedures for how they will handle disciplining your child and what to do in the event of an emergency. These procedures should mirror how you care for your child to prevent confusion between what is acceptable behavior at daycare and in the home. How does the provider react if your child is sick or injured? Do they have a nurse on staff? Will you be notified immediately? It is also important to discuss how you will be informed about your child’s day and any incidents that are relevant.
5. What is the cost?
How much does it cost per day or week? What is included in the rate? Do you have to provide snacks, diapers, etc? Do you get credit for days your child is scheduled but does not attend? Each daycare provider is different therefore you must ask these important questions to make the most informed decision.
There are many ways you can determine if the potential daycare provider is right for you and your child. The most important thing beyond asking questions is observing how the staff interacts with the children. Follow your instincts, if something just doesn’t feel “right” then continue to look for a daycare provider that meets your requirements.
