Meeting a day care provider in their home what do you expect?
When you decide to meet w/ a day care provider in their home, what helps to determine if you would want to take your child there? What info do you like to go over?
Public Comments
- how long they've been in business
do they have any kind of education
all of their mission statements, prices, rules, schedules, etc. good luck!
- i make a trip to the bathroom...see whats out and about for kids to get into..and to see if its clean..i also look at the kitchen and the area where they will play and sleep....go over the food they will serve...things your kids dont or wont eat...and how they would over come that problem...do they go on trips in the car..is that persons car big enough for car seats for the kids...things like that...i think you will know withing minutes of meeting them whether you will like them..i would then take my kid back to visit for a few unannounced so that you can catch them off guard and not likely to expect you...
- I visited during the day while the children were there to check out what was going on. I then went back in the evening after the children were gone and talked to her. I took my son during the second visit and watched how she and her own children acted around him. I made sure her house was clean and I also asked to see her inspection reports and meal plans. She also has two dogs and provided me with their vaccination records as well. I felt really comfortable in her home ane my chidlren do as well. You can always ask what her views are on discipline because I think that is important.
- make sure its safe, clean and the person seems nice. mothers instincs. ask about curriculem and how they sanitize toys. look for their licence and make sure cabinets have lock, gates on stairs plugs in outlets. etc. ask what their experience is with children. is the yard fenced, do they have pets. are their pets vaccinated? do they have insurance. but most of all go with your gut, I do homedaycare myself so these are the things i'd be concerned with
- I would observe how clean the place is and how organized. I'd ask to see curriculum samples if they use one and ask for their liscense proof and credentials. I'd also take note if they smoke or have pets because that is NOT a plus for an in home daycare provider.
I'd also ask them:
* how many children do they currently have in their center?
* what is the child to adult ratio?
* what activities and offerings do they have for the children?
* what types of snacks/food do they give children (if any)? Do the parents have to provide it?
* how long have they worked in daycare/child care?
* get references of at least 3 families that are currently with them and call! If they won't give you references it should be a red flag.
* what is their discipline strategy for children who misbehave?
* what are some benefits they can offer at their center versus a commercial center elsewhere? What do they think makes their center stand out above others in terms of uniqueness?
* what kind of emergency plan do they have if something should happen due to weather, someone getting ill or injured etc?
* if your child has an allergy or special medical need are they equipped to handle it and how?
* are they CPR/ First Aid trained and certified?
* do they ever take children off property? if so, where? how often? Do they have a valid CDL liscense for transportation that is current and free of accidents and violations?
* if your child needs medication (for things like asthma or other situation) are they able to give the medication correctly to your child when needed?
* I would also talk to some of the neighbors discretely and ask them about the care center being run in someones home. Find out what really goes on during the day, if there have ever been any calls to CPS etc... Sometimes neighbors will be more honest with you about the situation they see than a provider trying to get your business will be in some situations. These are all things you need to find out.
Also take note of the personality of the people who run the center, how your child reacts to them etc.. Red flags should go up for things like nerves about some questions, coldness or no warmth, too business like and not welcoming to your child or you etc...
- cleanliness and no smoke - friendly or no pets.
Fenced in backyard - stairs. sharp edges - outlet plugs.
The provider herself - is she certified in CPR and choking? First aid? Discipline policies - snacks and meals.
