Looking for a quality daycare can be pretty overwhelming. There are probably many childcare centers in your area, but you want to make sure you find one that suits your family. It's always crucial to ask the right questions when interviewing daycare centers into which you're potentially enrolling.
1. Is the center licensed?
It's important to be sure that the daycare center has certification under state regulations. You are legally able to request to see their license and any notes written regarding safety hazards or other infractions issued to the center.
2. Do they have an open door policy for parents?
It’s crucial to know the facility’s policy on parents dropping in unannounced. If the center does not allow you to come by anytime, this could be a potential red flag.
3. What’s your policy on____?
It’s important to ask about the center’s protocol on things such as discipline, nap-time, screen time, and allowing sweets. If you have strong feelings about any of these topics, it’s important to ask about providing specific instructions geared toward your child.
4. Can you accommodate special circumstances?
It’s important to note in the interview certain special circumstances to your children such as breastfeeding, cloth diapering, allergies, medications, or special food requirements. Some daycares will not be suitable for your child’s specific needs.
5. What’s your sick child policy?
If your child or another child in the facility becomes ill while in the care of the center, it's important to note how the staff will handle it. Proper care is especially crucial to infants as illness among children can spread rapidly. Be sure that the facility takes sickness seriously and will send any child home if they become ill.
6. What’s your policy on immunizations?
Regardless of your stance on vaccines, it’s important to know what the daycare policy is for each child and if they are required to be kept up to date.
7. What’s the staff to child ratio?
Your state will require each center to have a certain amount of qualified staff members available in the classroom. Be sure to research the requirement of your state and if the center adheres.
8. What are the qualifications of the staff here?
It's important to note the process staff members have to go through before they are allowed to interact with children. Ask the facility manager what type of training is required, what they teach them, and whether staff members need specific certifications? It will bring you peace of mind to know that each teacher is trained for emergencies and are fully certifications in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid.
Finding the right daycare facility may take time, but it's a decision that you want to be sure you make the right call. Ask friends, neighbors, and other parents in your community which daycare center in their area they like best.
