Looking for daycare centers

[isabel]

I tried a quick search, but didn't see what I was looking for. Can anyone point me toward a thread with questions to ask various daycare centers that we tour?

Also, when did you start looking for daycare centers?

I'm almost 12 weeks and starting to think maybe I should get a jump on this. One of the schools we're considering takes applications in October, puts you into a lottery, you find out if you got a spot in the spring and the school year starts the first week of June. So, it seems like I should really start getting on this based on that.

[VillainV]

We didn't start looking until C was 5 months old, and we needed to get him in immediately.

Questions we asked:

1. What does the center provide? Some provide diapers, wipes, food, a certain brand of formula, etc.

2. Do they require kids to be vaccinated? What about staff?

3. What does a typical day look like for infants? How long do they leave babies in swings/bouncers?

4. What is their ratio?

5. What hours do they operate and what do they charge for late pick-up?

6. What days are they closed?

7. What if you want to take vacation for a week? Do you still pay full rate, pay a partial rate, etc?

8. Can you leave your car seat at the center in case one parent drops off and one picks up? (Ours let us do this, but I think it's rare)

[cricketwife]

When will you have an opening?
When will you have an opening?
When will you have an opening?

Sorry, I'm not much help. That was the only question that really mattered where I live.

ETA --  Just get on all the wait lists.  We're still on waitlist for infant spaces.  DS is 8 months and I started looking around 12 weeks. THe first space that became available for him was when he was 7 months old (exactly). I hope that you don't have that problem, but get on the wait lists!!  If they make you pay to be on the &%*% waitlist, pay!!!!!