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Planning Ahead
Child Care Centers
When contacting a child care facility there are a few questions that you can ask over the phone to determine if the center is right for your families needs.
- What is the program's age range?
- Are there openings for more children?
- What are the hours of operation?
- What are the programs goals and philosophies in caring for children?
- What is the child-to-caregiver ratio? The smaller the better.
- What is the caregiver's level of education and experience?
After you've narrowed down your choices, schedule a visit with each potential daycare and speak with its director or primary caregiver. Once there, use all of your senses to determine if the environment feels safe to you. Take a few moments to absorb the environment, use the following check list during a brief interview with the facility's director or primary caregiver.
- How many children are there for each adult? Ideally, the younger the fewer?
- Does the provider have training in early childhood development?
- Do the children seem happy and encouraged to learn?
- What is the philosophy of the program?
- Does the discipline policy and techniques match your own?
- Is there a balance of activities? Indoor and outdoor as age appropriate?
- Are there routines and/or rules the children can understand and follow?
- Is there space for each child's personal items?
- Is each area thoroughly childproofed?
- How are medical emergencies handled?
- Can parents get involved in daily activities if they desire?
- Can parents drop in without notice?
- Is there a trial enrollment period?
- Will the caregiver answer your questions and tell you about your child's day?
Last Modified 8/11/2008