BTDT Moms - Questions to Ask Daycare/Nursery School

I'm going to visit a temple daycare/nursery today for DS for next fall. He'll be a little over 2.5 at the time. Up to this point, he's been at a private babysitter so I have no experience with daycare, etc. Does anyone have any good questions I should be asking? Don't want to take him out of babysitter in many ways, but as he's getting older looking for some more structure.

Thanks so much.

Re: BTDT Moms - Questions to Ask Daycare/Nursery School

Anyone?

Re: BTDT Moms - Questions to Ask Daycare/Nursery School

Anyone?

Re: BTDT Moms - Questions to Ask Daycare/Nursery School

I'm looking for a nursery school for Sept for my then 3 yo. i'm thinking the have a routine of what they say.
I'm curious what they do. How do they handle discipline? If my DS hits and talks back (the most common reason he's in timeout). How do they handle kids not potty trained or is it a requirement? Staff to kid ratio. Since I'm only looking into christian schools, I'm curious how they incorporate our faith in the day.

Hope that helps I was kinda rambling....

Re: BTDT Moms - Questions to Ask Daycare/Nursery School

I am putting my DD in a temple nursery program at 20 months. It's half day/3x a week but we just went to the open house.

I didn't really have many questions but things they went over:

Security: this was a big one! They have security guards placed in different areas of the property and school. Also their sign in/sign out process etc.

Food: Do they give food, you bring, or they offer, is it kosher? How they handle allergies?

Jewish studies: We are sending DD to a reformed school so they do shabbat on Friday and each kid gets a Challah to bring home every friday. They do a child friendly service and also recognize/celebrate the holidays. They also teach them about jewish life, language and rituals.

Curriculum: Goals of math, science, literacy, art and music.

Summer program?

Outdoor play?

After or before hours and what they do during that time?

How is communication with the parent handled? We get a note everyday that is placed in a pocket that is sewn into every childs backpack. There is a classroom parent also in charge of cummunicating certain things as well

That's all I can really remember...hope that helps a little.

Good luck!

Re: BTDT Moms - Questions to Ask Daycare/Nursery School

Thank girls - giving me some good ideas!