Daycare. Any advice??

Question

So I started researching daycares and going in for tours today. I went to three in my area. They were all pretty similar. I don't know how to choose!! I felt somewhat prepared, but I felt so lost. My mom went with me, as I'll be a single parent, but it was really overwhelming. Any advice on how to pick a daycare??

Answer

1. Safety. If you walk in and you can see kids or they can run up to you.. NO WAY.
There needs to be cameras all over... Even if you cant access from hm.// exit doors?

2. Cleanliness.. Do they have carpet/ or tile? -that can be cleaned daily.. Look at the staff.. Are they licensed, educated, talk well, Clean?

3. Ratio-- how many caregivers to amount of children?

4. Location.. Neighborhood -- is it a safe neighborhood.. Other types of people that would be bringing their kids.

5.  Do research if you think you like one.. Read reviews.. Talk to parents walking out... Google any and everything about them.

6. Take it seriously.. No sense in worrying while you are at work..

Answer

My mom has a daycare, I would first call your city and see if there has been an complaints or reports. It's public record.

Answer

Step up to quality!! That's a big one! This rates centers on a scale of 1-4 stars. Not all centers are step up to quality so you know it's a good one if they are.

Answer

This is how we judged ours and feel in love with our provider
1. Safety- how easy was it to get into the building? We're there cameras, codes to get in, ect
2. Cleanliness of facilities
3. What were the kids doing when we arrived? How was the staff interacting with them, did any of the children look like they needed something but weren't getting it
4. How approachable were the staff, how did they interact with the kids

Answer

There is a website to see any violations or incidents. It varies per state, but that ended up being the tie breaker for us!

Answer

I would check the centers credentials, see if all of the staff were cpr trained, if they're any complaints against the center and also look at the staff to baby ratio. Try to get referrals from other moms you may know or look on your city's mommy board for reviews.

Answer

Ohhh wow I'd be so scared to leave mine do they have one where you can check on them thru the webcams? I'd pick that one

Answer

Working in a daycare my best advice is to ask many questions! No question is too stupid either! All day cares have a book of regulations called Minimum Standards. Basically states how your child will be care for in that facility.

Questions I would ask are:

How do you clean the rooms?
     Usually it's a 3 step process-soap, water, bleach. Then mopped or vacuumed, and then everything is sprayed down with bleach.

Ask about feedings, diaper changes, curriculum, outside play, nap times, and if they have a monthly update form. This form is important as child change dramatically in month.

Always be sure to stay on top of the supplies you have at daycare. Because sometimes the teacher will forget to tell you if you are out of close to being out of something.

Answer

For me it was just a feeling. I toured 2 places and only 1 felt right, like it felt like it was home. Everything about it was perfect and I had to trust my instinct

Answer

My friends just had a baby in July and the advice they gave us was teacher to infant ratio. For instance the one they chose had 1 more teacher per infant than anywhere else they visited. Sorry that's all I have to offer. Good luck!

Daycare. Any advice??

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