Questions to ask daycare provider

[panicked]

Do they have back up providers/substitutes if they are sick or need to take time off.
How much vacation time do you get and how much do they take. Is it paid?
How many kids do they have total? Any other infants?

[missmaddie]

Police checks for the provider and any other adults that live in the home.

References.

[ginger]

For in-home I would be MUCH more thorough in my research.

I would:

• Get the Business License Number and verify it's legit.
• Google your state + "Daycare Inspections" and read all past inspections (I did this with M's center too).
• Ask for his or her Fire Escape Plan/Severe Weather Plan and gauge their reaction.
• Ask if he or she offers an agenda for each day so you know how many wet diapers, how many dirty diapers, what your baby ate and how much, etc. I loved getting these from her center because it was stuff I needed to know those rare times she got sick in the evening and I had to call her pedi.
• Do they have Liability Insurance for the business? Would their insurance cover an injury on-site?
• How many children do they enroll at one time (The state will have a limit on how many. Verify they are accurate and know the guidelines.)?
• If there is another person employed, did they do a Criminal History Check?

Then all the normal stuff like what is provided for lunch and snacks, sick policy, etc.

[VeryViolet]

I only looked at centers because that was my preference. I found that they all kind of talk the same game and have the same rules. For me it was much more in how they implemented the rules and more just how I "felt" about it. I know that sounds so lame but I ended up picking the place I did because the teacher was so excited to show me around and talk to me about the activities she plans for each baby. I got the warm, fuzzy feeling. I will let you know after the new year if I totally screwed up and did it wrong.

[janiejones]

What are the ages of the other kids. (To determine if they can handle the ratio/mix)
How do they handle injuries/tantrums/sickness when your child is already there.
Can you drop in without notice?
What is the fee schedule for days missed (sick) or your vacations?

[sneetch]

Sept 29, 2013 16:30:46 GMT -5 bricco said:

Sept 29, 2013 16:28:47 GMT -5 missmaddie said:

Police checks for the provider and any other adults that live in the home.

References.

Is this something that I would have to pay to have done with their permission or something they'd have on file and could just show me?    

I would think that is something they would have already obtained and have readily available.

We are going to start this process very soon too, though we're looking at centers instead of in-home. 

[prettyinpink]

Sept 29, 2013 16:30:46 GMT -5 bricco said:

Sept 29, 2013 16:28:47 GMT -5 missmaddie said:

Police checks for the provider and any other adults that live in the home.

References.

Is this something that I would have to pay to have done with their permission or something they'd have on file and could just show me?    

If they are licensed they must be finger printed, that includes anyone that works there as well. 

[LLL]

Drop in policy
Food/bottle routine
If it's a home daycare, what adults live in the home
references

[snickers]

Ask to see their first aid certification, trust me.

[katfco]

What's their policy on injuries? When do they call; do they write incident reports; etc.
How do they handle discipline?
How do they handle snow days?
Do they do any teaching or is it just play time?
Typical daily/weekly schedule?
How often is the TV on?

[Deleted]

Aside from what everyone else has already mentioned, I wanted to know if all the other kids were vaccinated & if she verified that. We have a particularly sick kid, so that was especially important to us.

[speckledfrog]

I don't know that she will be able to show you any employee criminal background checks, isn't that confidential information. I know we wouldn't have shown anyone at the preschool I would at. Make sure she is licensed by the state. I agree with aging about discipline policy, babies aren't babies forever! Specifically ask how she handles biting.

[kmpls]

Sept 29, 2013 16:30:46 GMT -5 bricco said:

Sept 29, 2013 16:28:47 GMT -5 missmaddie said:

Police checks for the provider and any other adults that live in the home.

References.

Is this something that I would have to pay to have done with their permission or something they'd have on file and could just show me?    

In mn go to dhs license search. You can search in home and centers this way.

to be honest most in homes will say you are likely calling too early.

good luck!