Forum Index
»
Preschool and Daycare Discussion
Visiting daycare for 1st time, what to ask?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
DH and I will be visiting our first daycare next week to check it out for next spring. What kinds of things should we be on the lookout for, and what questions should we ask?
Any input is appreciated. |
Anonymous
|
1. How long has the Director been there? How long have the teachers for your DC been at that center? If there's high turnover, it's not a good sign. 2. Do the staff/teachers get health insurance and other benefits? 3. Check the cleanliness of the facility. If you intend to stay until your child walks, check out the playground and how high the fences are surrounding it. I went to a Kindercare and a montessori school that had a playground surrounded by trees. The fence was about 3-4 ft tall. No go for me. |
Anonymous
|
1. Ask whether their Terrorism Preparedness Action Plan has been reviewed by the local authorities and the FBI.
2. Ask to see their policy on Foods and Games from China. |
Anonymous
|
Here is what I didn't ask about but wished I had - the toddler room. I focused so much on the infant space I didn't ask about things like food, etc in the toddler room. Really you just need a clean, happy, loving space for your infant. When they go to the next room they are SO active, involved, looking to learn and eating a lot. Ask what kind of things/projects they do with them, what their schedule is like, how is it decided when your DC will move to the next room, what kind of food is served.
I know it seems really far down the road but it will be there in a blink! |
Anonymous
| Do they have an open door policy where you can do drop ins unannounced any time you would like. Very important. |
Anonymous
|
terrorism plan?? games from china??? hilarious!!!!
the FBI and local authorities do not review this..their local licensing office review their emergency preparedness plans. geez..... |
Anonymous
|
OP - you never specify the age of your child. If you child is an non mobile infant find out whether center mixes infants with older children. Also find out teacher turnover. If
there is a lot of turnover that is not a good thing for your child. Good luck |
Anonymous
| OP here. Sorry if i wasn't specific. Our baby is due at the end of January, and will be about 3 1/2 or 4 months when we put him in daycare. |
Anonymous
Wrong! A very nice young man from the FBI came round to my house last week and asked to see my terrorism plan. When I told him we didn't have one he became very agitated, and demanded to look all around my house for potential weaknesses. I have to admit he was very thorough. So I am sure that they also perform these checks on daycares, if they go around making house calls. |
Anonymous
Um an FBI agent came to your house demanding to see your terrorism plan? I think someone played you lady - check to make sure nothing in your house is missing. That is just insane. |
Anonymous
This sounds like a scam. Why would the FBI be inspecting private homes? |
Anonymous
BTW, he probably scoped out the layout of the interior of your house; he's also checking to see if there's anything worth taking when he and his friends come back. |
Anonymous
|
I ran a home daycare for many years and I am 100% positive that FBI person is a fake. I would call the local police and I would install a good security system. Jewlery or anything of great value in the bank for a while would be a good thing too. The only 2 people allowed to come into your home unannouced is the fire department and you're supervisor from your county.. but you as a daycare provider already know that they are required to make unannounced visits, Be careful and as I said before alert the police this is going on around your neighborhood.
|
Anonymous
| Ask what their policy is on calling parents if your kid seems really upset or possibly sick. Of course they call if your kid is puking, but I wanted places to call if my daughter seemed very upset for an extended period. Some places I interviewed were kind of "Well, we call if your kid is sick" but the one I chose said "We call if your child seems out-of-sorts or very upset. You don't have to come get them, but we think you should know if your child is having a bad day." I really liked that, as it indicated that they treat each child as an individual, and that they are committed to open communication with parents. I'd also ask what level of parent involvement there is at the center. Some places have a parent association, or expect parents to be very involved with center events and parties. I think this is great, but you may want to know what you're getting into. |
Anonymous
| Ask what their policy is on calling parents if your kid seems really upset or possibly sick. Of course they call if your kid is puking, but I wanted places to call if my daughter seemed very upset for an extended period. Some places I interviewed were kind of "Well, we call if your kid is sick" but the one I chose said "We call if your child seems out-of-sorts or very upset. You don't have to come get them, but we think you should know if your child is having a bad day." I really liked that, as it indicated that they treat each child as an individual, and that they are committed to open communication with parents. I'd also ask what level of parent involvement there is at the center. Some places have a parent association, or expect parents to be very involved with center events and parties. I think this is great, but you may want to know what you're getting into. |