important questions to ask daycare

[mrslefty]

We are touring one of the two daycares we are looking at. What do I need to look for and ask? This is a center connected to DH'S work.  The other is an in home. 

[alias]

Price, hours, vacation policies (can you take a vacation and not pay, does it have to be M-F), policies regarding medicine, diaper cream, etc., do they CD (if you want them to), what do you need to bring, how do they track LO's day for you, can you come visit during the day (if you want), can you bring LO in b/f he starts, how many kids, when/how do they transition up to the next room, how long have teachers been there/turnover, what activities do they do (tummy time, music, play, etc.), anything else you want to know.

They will probably tell you most of this stuff anyway. I'd focus more on the feel you get from the place and how comfortable you are.

[shevacc]

alias's list is excellent! I agree with everything there and would especially focus on the feel of the place, the amount of turnover, and not only their policies but their attitudes towards things that are important to you (does anyone else CD, for example?)

[ilovebed]

In addition to this I'd ask how many adults come into contact with your kid throughout the day. At Blbs first daycare they acted like there was one main teacher and her assistant. But others come and go to cover during breaks and then one shift ended at like 2 and i felt like it was always someone different all afternoon.

[mrslefty]

Thanks guys! I felt like its a good daycare but the other is an in home run by an ex coworker of my mom and she will only have two infants plus she won't make us pay in the summer. AND she said she will only speak Spanish if we're okay with it. Okay with it? I'm thrilled!

[shevacc]

Sept 3, 2014 18:58:34 GMT -5 mrslefty said:

Thanks guys! I felt like its a good daycare but the other is an in home run by an ex coworker of my mom and she will only have two infants plus she won't make us pay in the summer. AND she said she will only speak Spanish if we're okay with it. Okay with it? I'm thrilled!

Sounds like you found a great arrangement for your family!