Leaving your baby or toddler in a daycare can be a challenging task. As a mother, you might find yourself questioning your decision to send your child to day care, your option to go back to work, etc. If you are entrusting a stranger with your precious child, you want to make sure that your little one is receiving the best care. Don’t allow yourself to feel pressured by the daycare centers that inform you that space is limited and your child might not be accepted. Trust your judgment and your instincts. This checklist will help you to avoid the painful struggle of deciding which day care is right for your child.
•Is the daycare licensed? Do all the teachers have a license?
•Does the staff have CPR, First Aid, AED certification? (Make sure you see a copy).
•How are emergencies handled?
•Does the school have an Emergency Evacuation Plan? If so, is it given to parents?
•Are there any parents you can speak to as a reference?
•Does the daycare give you a written contract? (Very important!!)
•How do you pay? (Weekly, Monthly, Annually, Per child’s attendance) Do you pay when your child is absent?
•What is the daycare’s policy on emergencies, absences and sickness?
•What is the turnover rate with children? With staff?
•What is the daily schedule? (Be sure to ask for a copy)
•How are children disciplined? How do they handle a child who hits or buts other children?
•When is naptime? Is it enforced?
•When and where are meals given? Do they provide meals, or do you bring your own? (Be sure to inform of any food allergies)
•How often are diapers changed?
•Do they charge more if child is not potty trained?
•How do they support potty training?
•How often are toys, bedding, etc cleaned?
•Does the daycare have gates and safety locks?
Preschool 3 Years & Up
•What is the school's philosophy?
•Does the school's philosophy match your philosophy on learning?
•What is the ratio of teachers to students?
•How many teachers’ aides are in a class?
•What is the maximum number of students per class?
•How is the day structured?
•How much time is spent on independent play vs. group activities?
•How is the curriculum developed? Is the curriculum built around "play"?
•Are the children provided a structured learning experience?
•How receptive is the staff and administration? (When you called the school to make an appointment or to ask questions, was the staff polite and receptive?)
•Are the teachers attentive and responsive? (Observe how teachers speak to the children. Pay attention to their tone and body language.)
•How are discipline issues handled?
•How do teachers intervene when a problem arises?
•Are the children encouraged to play or does the school function as a mini college?
•Is nap time suggested or enforced?
•How clean is the play area? Are the toys and blocks dirty? (Ask the teacher or Director of the school how often toys and books are cleaned.)
•Does the school have a "community" feeling?
•Does the school embrace cultural diversity?
•Would your child feel comfortable in this setting? (Chances are, if you don't feel comfortable in a school, your child may not feel comfortable too.)
•Are parents welcome to be part of their child's experience?
•What is the turn-over rate of teachers?
•How long has the Director been involved with the school?
•Does the Director have any short or long term plans for the school?
•If it is a private school, does the school offer scholarships?
•Does the school offer extended hours for working parents?
•Does the school have its own playground?
•Is the playground equipment stable?
•Does the school have an Emergency Evacuation Plan? If so, is it given to parents?
Important!!
Pay attention to eating, sleeping or behavior changes. Makes sure you communicate with the daycare or preschool about any of your concerns.
Resources:
http://www.successfulchild.com
http://www.childcarefinders.org/
http://www.metrodaycare.com/
Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach with Smart Bee Coaching LLC. Her site Successful Child.com strives to provide valuable resources so parents can play an important role in the personal growth and development needs of their children. Visit her online at www.successfulchild.com
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