Daycare Questions

Hi everyone!

I have a 4 month old son that I need to put in daycare when he is 6 months.  All of my friends who have children are stay at home moms so I don't have any referrals to go by.  Today I am interviewing 2 at home daycares and I need some advice about what kind of questions to ask to ensure the safest, happiest and healthiest place for my sweet angel.

Thanks!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Do they have cpr and first aid credentials?

If applicable for your state, are they liscensed?

Do they provide receipts for tax purposes?

How many children are in their care?

Can they provide references?

[peekawho]

Be sure you actually see the CPR or First Aid redentials.

[tiredbuthappy]

in addition to the questions listed above:
what happens if the caregiver is sick?
what happens if your ds is sick? (at what point do they no longer allow him to come?)
do they provide food?
how do they handle nap time?
how do they handle food prep? (ex: some still warm bottles in microwave)
are there any days they're closed (holidays, etc...)
if they have older children of their own, when are they in the house? what happens if the older children are home from school sick?
will any other adults be in contact with the children (caregivers friends, relatives, etc...)
how often do they clean/sanitize toys and equipment?
how do they sanitize diaper changing surface? (bleach solution between each child? etc...)

it occured to me today that while i was searching for daycare, i should have asked if they got their flu shots. my dd is still too young to have hers, so i had to get mine today. also, i had to get pertussis since she's too young for that one too.

[LisaDLK]

Thank you for you help!  I will take this list of questions with me this afternoon.  

[ImmortalOne]

I just went through this...  These are the questions I asked providers for my baby.... then decided to choose a close friend/family to babysit while I work (we call it the baby shuffle).  




Basics
How many providers actively care for the babies? (One for every three infants is ideal, even if state requirements allow more infants per provider.)
What is the staff turnover rate?
Are there regular visitors (family/friends) who spend time at the home?
Does she have any children of her own?  If so, what are their ages?
When is her husband home?  
Does he interact with the children?  If so what type of roles?
Are there pets in the home?
Is there smoking in the home or by any of the staff?
What is the training of the staff in early childhood development, first aid, infant CPR and choking?

Is the center bright, attractive, clean, safe, big enough? (Childproofing?)
What kind of safety and prevention measures in place?
How often and how are toys cleaned?
Does the provider have:
Fire Extinguisher;
Smoke detector;
First aid kit;
Fire plan posted;
Rules and regulations posted;
Hand-washing chart posted by sink;
Sign in / out chart easily assessable?

What is a typical day like?  
Are the children allowed to watch TV/Video's (if so how much)?
If requested to not allow television exposure, is that a problem?
Are many different types of learning experiences offered?
What types of discipline techniques do the providers use? (There should be no discipline used on infants.)

Are the babies separated from the older children?
Does each baby have her own crib/pack-n-play?
Is there a single feeding schedule for all the infants, or is this flexible?
Are babies held when fed?
How often are they held and rocked?
Bouncers/Swings:  How often are the babies in them?  How long?
Are babies regularly played with, cuddled, taken outdoors?
Will Lilith be given direct one on one time with a provider?
What does the provider think a baby needs from a caregiver at this age?
What is the staff's approach to soothing a crying baby?
How frequent are diaper changes?  (Are there scheduled diaper changes, in addition to needed changes? )
What sanitary measures are taken when changing diapers?
Is she willing to take notes on Lilith's daily schedule and activities (type of diapers, amount and time of feedings, naps, etc)?

Will the center store breast milk and feed it to Lilith?  
How much is needed daily?  
How much to be left and stored for emergencies?
How is breast milk stored?
How is breast milk warmed and to what temperature?  
Will the day care give Lilith only breast milk until we choose to give her other types of foods?
Is the provider aware of breast milk time limits/storing limits?
What type of meals/snacks are offered for older children?  Who provides it?

When is “nap time”?
What happens if a child doesn't want to nap?  (Does she let them cry to sleep?)
Are the babies allowed to nap when they want to?
How are they put in their cribs?  (Side/back/front sleeping)?
Are baby monitors used?

How well do the director and staff seem to communicate?  
How does your baby respond to the caregivers?
Are parents (grandparents) encouraged, and able, to visit any time during the day unannounced?

Policies and Procedures
What hours and days is care offered?
Are there specific days/dates that care is not available?
What are the safety/security procedures?
Are emergency numbers posted?
What is the first-aid protocol?  
Are parents notified of anything (even minor) incidents?
What are the rules regarding the handling of child illness?
How does the center handle giving medications?
Is a form required to authorize medical services?
Does the provider need a copy of medical card?
What type of backup care can be arranged in case of provider or child illness?
What vaccinations are required?  Is there an issue if they are delayed?

Costs
What is the base charge?
Is there an additional charge for overtime or late pickup?
Must you pay when the child is absent?
If we terminate our child care through her, is there a required amount of notice needed?
What forms of payment are taken?
When is payment due and is there a deposit?
Transportation
Are the children taken anywhere?  If so, why, how and who drives?  
Is that person's driving record and insurance information available?

[Renogirl]

Just one bit of advice - if you are looking at a center that is licensed - and you should be - even home care providers should obtain a license, you can contact your local licensing agent - using your county social services - and ask them if that provider has any violations - I work as a director of a preschool and I ALWAYS tell parents to call and check - our local licensing agency will give parents the number of violations in the past two years and the nature of a violation - good information for any parent!  

Also, whatever center you decide upon, ask if you can go in one day and sit and observe for a couple of hours and try to go around eleven or twelve - busiest time of the day - any director worth their salt can answer your questions wonderfully, but going into a class and observing will tell you if you are comfortable leaving your baby in their care!

[Pearl99]

Definitely go and visit and see also  if they'll let you talk to a parent who has been there a while, with similar aged baby.  Or two. And trust your instincts.