Interviewing Daycare?

Question

Somewhat in a pickle, I know that I should be interviewing daycares to make sure it's a safe and caring place for my baby...
But I live in a small town with a total of ten current daycares and I've already eliminated four because I know the provider and wouldn't leave a pet turtle with them! My coworker who has two currently in day care has been pushing me to just get in somewhere before I can't get in anywhere. Do I just take the first available based on references or do I go through the interviewing process?!

Answer

You wouldn't leave your pet turtle... Lol that's so funny. When I started looking at daycares, I went to two in one day and I thought I was going to cry. They were so bad, I used to say "I might as well leave my child by the dumpster to play with raccoons! That would probably be better." Thankfully, I found one that super awesome (expensive but you get what you pay for). The ladies there are wonderful but I tell you what... I paid a deposit in September of last year and my baby wasn't going to start until August of this year. The wait list for this place is insane. Go interview places yourself seriously. It can be a lot of work, but you want to make sure your kid will be save :) good luck!

Answer

You need to interview the daycare as well as pop up unexpectedly. Research to see if they've had any health code or license violations and make sure everyone is Infant CPR certified and properly vetted .

Answer

You need to at least go see the place your friend is recommending for yourself.

And remember, the most expensive option isn't always the best option. I took my daughter to the 2 daycares we were considering. One was at a YMCA and was 25% cheaper than the other place so I thought it would be ghetto.

My daughter hated the expensive place, didn't connect with the teachers at all. At the Y she got down on the floor and started playing right away. She made the choice easy.

Answer

Do the leg work!! Sure check out the recommendations but go yourself and see. Your standards may be different! Plus places, good ones, tend to fill up fast! Good luck!!

Answer

Go through the process! As someone who used to work in a daycare facility I won't leave mine in any anymore, but not everyone has a flexible schedule like me, so you want to make sure you feel totally comfortable with where you're leaving your child.

Answer

Noooo. Go see the place and ask them all of your questions. What's right for some parents may be completely wrong for others. Also, I know people say this A LOT but when it comes to child care you really do get what you pay for. I interviewed at a facility a while back, I believe it was a 3 star and am currently employed at a 5 star center and there is a HUGE difference. Even our infants have instructional time. Now, I don't believe in giving 3 year olds worksheets, but as far as reading to them and participating in gross and fine motor activities to get them active, as well as incorporating sign language and Spanish into our daily routine, it is instructional. I HIGHLY recommend looking before deciding.

Interviewing Daycare?

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