What would you ask a daycare provider's reference?

Question

I am sending my one year old son to daycare for the first time. I received 3 references from her. I was about to call them and realized I have no idea what to ask!

Answer 1

Ask how the kids like it there, how they deal with problems, and what were some of the issues (resolved or not) that they have had with the day care provider.  Ask what are their top likes and dislikes are.

Answer 2

Hmm. Good question.

I'd want to know... let's see...

Did your child look forward to going to daycare?

How long was your child with the daycare?

Did you ever have any problems that you had to bring up with the teacher/administration, and was it resolved to your satisfaction?

Has there been a lot of turnover in staff?

Has the room always been safe and clean?

Does the provider do a good job engaging the children?

Was the program stimulating for your child? Did he/she learn anything?

Do you recommend the daycare?

How do they discipline your kids?

Those are the biggies that I'd want to know about.

Answer 3

I think you should do a little bit more then refs.... people can lie it happened to me !!!  do a drop in with out notice around luch time when things can get a little hectic.