What are some good questions to ask a home daycare center?

Question

I am viewing a potential home day care for my son, he is almost 5 months, and I am wondering if you can give me some good suggestions! I know so far that she used to nanny before having her son who is 16 months old, he will be in the home as well and that if I except she will not have another infant but maybe a 2 or 3 year old.

Answer 1

1. child to teach ratio

2. any meals included?

3. diapers/wipes/gloves provided by caregiver or parent?

4. how much?

5. what sort of activities will be involved?

6. will there be outside time?

7. how do you handle time outs? Do you have one set place for it? are you aware that it's 1 min each for their age (5 yr old, 5 min, etc)?

8. Can I drop in and visit any time?

9. When is nap time?

10. As far as outside time, if it's hot will there be swimming involved?

11. do you take walks? if so, where?

12. any art--is there a schedule to follow?

13. if the child doesn't nap, are they made to stay on their cot or can they do something else?

14. How cold does it have to be to keep them inside? My daycare has a policy of 35 degrees & up it's ok to go out for a short time. Same with heat; 95 & above stay inside. Heat index 9 & above inside too.

I used to work at a daycare for 12 1/2 years so I know a bunch of questions to ask.

I hope these help.

Answer 2

This site I have used for years.  All your ?'s and more are here in this childcare and parenting pages/site.

Answer 3

The link is from Michigan but it has some great points/suggestions for things to look for and consider.  I definitely suggest getting references and calling them.  If she was a nanny, she'll definitely have these.  You can put this as you just want to make sure this is the right fit for all.

Think about also what your expectations are of another provider after you've been home with him for so long.  

Answer 4

do you smoke?? indoors or out?

How do you dicsipline??

any training in c.p.r? or hymlic?

referances?

be strict on your rules and guidelines and dont be afraid to take action if you dont like something you are there BOSS!

Answer 5

Are you a licensed daycare provider?  If no, you don't need to ask anymore.

If yes, how long have you been doing this?  What is the adult-child ratio?  Have you ever had accusations made against you?  Check them out with the better business bureau.

Answer 6

see what is the baby to adult ratio ask them if you can sit in and watch a day to get the vibe...good luck

Answer 7

I asked the following:

1) What are your hours of operation?

2) Who will watch the children if you have an emergency and need to leave?

3) Do you provide baby food, formula, and diapers or do I?

4) How many children do you care for daily?

5) Do you have liability insurance?

6) Do you have any dogs or cats? Where are they during the day and do they like children?

7) What is your policy on discipline? (How long are time-outs, etc.)

8) How is naptime structured?

9) What do you do if a child swears or hurts another child? (You'll know if they're telling the truth by how quickly they answer)

10) Do you have references from children who NO LONGER go here?

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I would also look around the house a little bit- is it clean? Do the toys look clean? Where do the children sleep? Are the outlets and cupboards childproofed?

Good luck!