interviewing daycare centers- questions

We will start interviewing daycare centers shortly (still pg- due in aug) & were wondering what kinds of questions we should ask. Our child will be about 6 months when he/she begins.

What did you find to be the biggest difference between centers? What should I be looking for?

This is hard for us since we're not even parents yet!

Thanks!

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

look here

here

I searched online and found an interview sheet that I used- I can't seem to find it now

Some of the important questions were about staff turnover, first aid training, sick policies. I will see if I can find it.

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

I think this is it

here

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

Off the top of my head
Staff turnover is important.
Background checks
Time out policy
Sick Policy
Developmental & cognitive learning - ask them for a typical schedule for a infant.

Holiday/vacation schedule - if they follow the school calendar, they'll have a week off for christmas, winter recess, spring recess, etc.


eta.

Are you charged if they're home for x days? Most places are reserving a spot for you, but sometimes if your child is out for 4 days, they cut their rate to 1/2 rate.

Late fees if you pick up late.
Discounts for recommending friends who put their child in (I'm getting a week free come September)
State licensing violations - you should look up on your own - I posted a site awhile back if you do a search. Also some violations are minor, but ones like staffing ratios need to be kept

Can children of different ages be mixed together? Still remember clearly the story about the infant who was smothered by stuffed animals thrown in my a toddler. This will happen frequently in the mornings/evenings at many daycares when they have a few kids & can get by with fewer teachers.

Ask for recommendations.

Still thinking..will post more if i come up with other things to ask.

Message edited 3/26/2006 7:32:26 PM.

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

Thanks, that's very helpful!

Any more advice, working moms?

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

I dont remember the actual site but try googling it....it was a NY site that gave you a list of day care centers and whether they had violations or not. If they had a violation it tells you what it was and how they corrected it -

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

Here is a bunch of questions. If the places you are looking at are licensed by NYS, they all have the same regulations they must follow. (ex: finger printing/background checks, child:teacher ratios, training requirements for staff, etc.)


General questions:

Do you have an opening?
What ages do you accept?
Is there a waiting list?
How long is the waiting list and what is the expected turnover time?
What is the total capacity in terms of number of children you will accept?
What are your hours?
Are you licensed? If so, for how long?
How long have you been in business?
How many children do you care for? What are their ages?
How many are full-time? Part-time?
What is the child to caregiver ratio for each age group?
What is your vacation and illness policy?
What are your fees? Are there sliding fees, scholarships, and/or multi-child discounts?
Are you a member of the food program (federally funded child care food program-CCFP)?
What training or experience do you and your staff have?
What is the application process?
Do you offer drop-in daily and/or hourly rates?
What is the philosophy of the center or home?
Do you charge for sick days or when the child is on vacation?
Do you close for holidays and if so which ones?
What is the policy on sick children?
When are the fees due?
Is there a charge if you pick your child up late?
How much notice is required for your child to leave the facility?
Does the facility accept government subsidies?
Does the facility provide receipts for income tax credits?

More detailed questions:
Age-specific information

Do you hold infants during feeding?
How much time do infants spend in the crib, play pen and/or walker?
Describe how you would play with my infant.
Describe how you deal with parent/child separation, particularly in cases of separation anxiety.
What will I be expected to provide?
What type diapers would you prefer? Can I use cloth?
Describe how you discipline?
Describe how you handle toilet training.
Describe organized activities you provide for children.

Other important questions:

Tell me about yourself. How did you decide to become a provider? What do you like most about being a provider? How long do you plan to be one?
Can you describe what a typical day might be like for my child?
How do you handle emergencies?
Are you affiliated with a hospital?
What is the procedure for contacting you?
Do you have infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training? Do you carry liability insurance?
Are children ever transported in a vehicle while in your care? If so, do you have a valid driver's license and what is your driving record?
Can parents "drop in" for a visit?
Are parents encouraged to volunteer and participate in center activities?
Do you go on any field trips?
Is there limited access to television?
Do you or any of the staff speak a language in addition to English?
Do you provide transportation from the center to home or from the center to school?
Are meals included in the price? If so which ones (e.g. breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner)?
Can you accommodate special diets (e.g. vegetarian, certain food allergies)?
Describe the feedback I will receive about my child at the end of the day.
What types of records to you maintain concerning my child’s behavior?
What is your snow day policy?
How do staff support the emotional development of children?
How many days did parents need to use alternative care this past year?
What are some things you hope my child will learn here?
What would you do if you and I disagreed about something?
How much staff turnover has there been in the past year?
How long has the staff been working at the facility (average tenure of staff)?
Does the classroom staff have experience and skills in child-care methods and developmental learning?
How capable are the providers at being able to resolve conflicts between children?
Does the center have strict procedures for hiring caregivers?
Are applicants interviewed by management, fingerprinted when required by state law and required to take a medical exam in compliance with state licensing regulations? Are background checks and written references mandatory? If a center is licensed this all has to be done
Can you provide me with a list of references?
What health precautions do you take?
What are your rules?
Can I see your contract/license?
How are complaints handled in the organization?
How is the lighting and ventilation?
Are safe, sanitary, hygienic conditions maintained?
Is the staff prepared or trained for possible allergic reactions or other special needs?
Are there several toilets and wash facilities available and are children encouraged to wash their hands?
Is there an outdoor area that is safe to play in?
Is there space for running about freely for active play and still other space where quiet play may go on undisturbed, both indoors and out?
What is the emphasis of the activities? To have fun? To learn? Both?
Are the learning programs designed for each age group?
Do the activities emphasize physical fitness as well as mental development?
How big are the activity groups?
How noisy is it?
Are the toys used in the activities safe and appropriate for the children's ages?
Do the children have sufficient rest?
Will the children be watching television? Is so, what programs and how much time each day?
What do you want to know about me (and/or my partner and child)?

Questions to ask yourself

Are your questions, comments and visits welcome?
Does the provider appear to love children and seem warms and friendly in general?
Could you and your child develop a trusting relationship with the provider(s)?
Does the center take your needs into consideration? Is the staff accommodating and flexible?
Does all of the staff seem amicable and competent, or just certain members of the staff?
Do the children seem happy?
Does my child seem happy here?
Are the activities the kind your child enjoys?
Does my child seem to get along with the other children?
Does the provider understand developmentally appropriate activities for the different age levels and does the provider seem dedicated to helping children learn and thrive.
Does the provider seem to discipline children appropriately?
Does the provider give praise in a manner that will enhance your child’s self-esteem?
Does the overall environment appear comfortable, safe and healthy?
Do the children seem to get individualized attention?
How does the staff physically handle the children?

Most important is that you feel this is a safe place for your child, and that your child will be happy there. Go with your gut, if you feel uneasy then it is not the place for you!!

DON'T MAKE APPOINTMENTS JUST SHOW UP. IF THEY DON'T WANT TO SHOW YOU THE CENTER THEN IT'S NOT THE CENTER FOR YOU!!!!

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

Post: http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?&P=1&ID=22415#P307424

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

How long have each of the teachers been with the school...turn over can be a problem so make sure you look for a school that has many of the same teachers year after year

What are their hours?

What vacation days are they closed? Be careful...some actually close during school holidays. Offices are often NOT closed at those times.

Will your baby have his/her own crib? Can you provide a mobile or just a bumper/sheet set?

If you plan on BFing and providing BM..Is the caregiver familiar to handling BM? If not, you will need to give her instructions.

What do they provide? Some daycares I went to provided formula during the day. You just had to send it 4 cleaned bottles every morning.

What are the payment terms?

Do the children seem engaged while you are there? Do the toys appear clean and safe? Are the babies being held?

What was VERY important to me was that my child NOT be forced onto a schedule that the school wanted. I feed her on demand. I did not want my child crying for her bottle and not feed because she had to wait 15 more minutes until "it was time".

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

Very important to ask about days they are closed. Hubby and I didn't realize that our daycare is closed for every jewish holiday, for at least a few days, which is a pain because, obviously, we don't have off those days. Also, make sure they don't have rigid schedules - at least, for me, it was important to see that they go with the baby's schedule instead of imposing one. Once you've narrowed it down to a few places, try doing a few suprise visits during the day. That's how I really got a feel for each daycare. When I signed Alex up for her infant care, while I was on maternity leave, I stopped in with her at least once a week so she could get familiar with the staff, so I would feel more comfortable leaving her there, and so I could verify that the place was as good as I thought... if they aren't comfortable with unannounced visits, I would reconsider.

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

This is so helpful. Thanks again ladies!

Re: interviewing daycare centers- questions

i'm bumping this thread b/c i found it SO helpful!