Having a list of questions prepared before visiting any potential centre-based childcare or daycare options is a great asset in any parent’s search. Below are things to look for:
A good reputation :
A good daycare should be welcoming and friendly. It should be well known for its nurturing environment with an open door policy to registered parents.
- Come during the day at around pick up time and ask parents coming out of the centre what they like about the childcare?
- Ask to see the childcare program in action and observe caregivers, children and staff interaction.
- Ask for names of parents in your community so you may check references!
- Are parents welcome visitors any time?
- Use your ‘gut’ reaction. Use your first reaction to the childcare program as your measure.
Established rules:
It is important for centre-based childcare or daycare to be flexible to your needs; however there must be well define policy and procedures regarding its operations from drop off and pick up times to how to handle emergencies.
There must be an open door policy to registered parents and encourages parents to visit any time during the day, inviting a parent to be part of the community.
Ensure that as a parent, you will be welcomed as an important part of the childcare community. If there are no ground rules and no established guidelines for operations, keep looking there is a childcare program out there for you.
- What is the policy for releasing children to someone other than parents?
- What is the center’s policy regarding sick children?
- Once a child is well, can they administer medication? What do parents need to provide?
- Nutrition policies? Do they supply the meals or do you pack your own? If they supply meals and snacks do they follow guidelines for healthy eating with fresh fruits and vegetables?
- What is their policy for positive child guidance?
- If there is an emergency in the facility what are the procedures? How will you be contacted? Does the center conduct regular fire drills?
- What is the center’s payment policy? How can you pay?
- Is there a late pick-up fee? Is there a late payment fee?
- Is there a credit for time missed for vacation? Sick time?
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Programming for children of all ages:
Look for a centre where children are an important part of planning the children’s program. Ensure there is an infant program that includes interactive play focusing on their development. The program should be planned in advance with plenty of time for indoor and outdoor play; quiet time; group and individual activities; meals and snacks; and free time for children to be involved in creative and imaginative play.
Television and videos should have a small part in the day’s activities. If there is programming that involves television and videos they should be age appropriate and educationally sound supporting programming outcomes.
Look for a centre that is well equipped with a wide variety of toys and equipment to encourage children’s development, stimulating creativity and encourages imaginative play.
- Ask to speak directly to the person who would be your child’s lead caregiver and ask about programming.
- Does the center take field trips? If so, what are transportation arrangements? Are field trips an appropriate part of programming for your child’s age group?
- Does the centre rotate toys and equipment to keep children interested?
Members of the staff:
Trained staff members are a sign of quality care. Staff members should have training in early childhood education. There must be an emphasis on ongoing education with an opportunity for staff members to upgrade their skills and abilities when working with young children.
How staff interact with children is important to note. Staff should be interacting with children at their level, involving them in the conversation and discussion. They should be talking with the children not ‘to or at’ them.
- What are staff child ratios like? Are group sizes kept small at all times of the day? Discuss whether or not ratios change depending on nap times or field trips?
- Are staff certified in CPR and 1 st aid on site at all times?
- Is there an accreditation body; if so are they part of this process? What do the report cards state!
- What is the experience of the director, and how long have they been with the program? The education and values of the director are often reflective in staff. If the director values education and learning so will the staff members.
- What is the rate of staff turn over? Are members of the staff paid appropriately? Do they receive health benefits and education allowances? Better paid staff feel they are valued, and tend to stay longer having a direct impact on the care your child receives.
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Clean and safe environments:
A good centre is a clean centre. Everything about the centre needs to be clean: walls, floors, bathrooms, changing centres, toys and equipment; food preparation areas. If they do not appear clean ask about their cleaning policies. Observe staff with children to ensure they are encouraging healthy habits such as: hand washing; covering mouths when coughing; using Kleenex for running noses and more hand washing.
Look at the repair of the facility and the equipment. When looking at the toys, are they clean and in good repair?
Is the centre a secure place? Can people walk in from the street and have direct contact with children?
Stay and observe the centre in action. Note health practices in action, rather than written policies.
If you have concerns, listen to your first reaction and keep looking until all the signs are positive ones.
Specifically for infants:
- What is the staff to child ratio?
- How do they communicate daily activity with parents?
- Are there regular parent meetings to discuss child development?
- Does the environment appear to be warm/cool/just right?
- Does the environment appear clean?
- Is there a crib for each child?
- Does the center provide bedding? How often is it washed?
- What are their policy regarding individual needs for children for eating and bottle feeding?
- Are infants being held for when bottle feed?
- How often are diapers changed or checked?
- What is the napping policy?
- Is there a separate infant room? If so, how often is the environment checked for safety?
- Is there a monitor in the infant room?
- Does the program use sign language with the infants?
- How often are toys cleaned and sanitized?
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Specifically for toddlers:
- What is the staff to child ratio
- How do they communicate daily activities to parents?
- Are there parent meetings to discuss the development of your child?
- What is the daily schedule?
- What is the philosophy regarding potty training?
- What are cleaning and sanitizing policies?
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