Question about interviewing daycare...

Hi all! Some people have told me not to make an appointment just to walk in a catch them off guard and that if you make an appointment, they may "prepare" for you and the place may be a little cleaner, organized, etc. Do you think this is true? I really want to make an appointment so I am guarnteed to meet with the person I have to !

thanks mommies !

Re: Question about interviewing daycare...

I may have no place responding since my kids dont go to daycare, but I am under the impression that all daycares keep their doors locked or you need to know the code to get in. So I don't think you can drop by unexpectedly. Personally, I'd make an appointment so you know you will have time to be given an adequate tour and ask many questions.

Re: Question about interviewing daycare...

Some daycare centers will tell you to drop in because they always have enough staff available to walk you around. Some places want you to make an appt because they have a specific staff person who is there to show you around...

Not all places do this to prepare for you, they do this because they are structured and organized and that is part of their protocol. I LOVED Kindercare, and they required an appt - I actually wound up coming early because I wasnt sure how long it would take me to get there, and the person wasnt there yet, but she was ready for me when she came - it was stll before our appt - and the staff in the rooms werent told someone was coming - there are so many people that are there looking throughout the day, there is no way they could always be told and therefore be prepared.

Rainbow Chimes - the place I chose - told me to just come. They have a LOT of people in their office, and there is always someone there to do a walk thru... that was the only reason why no appt. was necessary...

Now, for those smaller daycare centers, I cant be sure - or for family daycare, but for the centers, I dont think you need to worry about them scheduling you to be prepared...

HTH!

Re: Question about interviewing daycare...

I wouldn't and I haven't. Even if the director is unavailable to meet with you, you will still get a feel for the place. You will also get an idea of how the place runs on a day to day basis, what front door security is really like and how willing they are to give you an informal tour.

I would specifically ask for an informal tour and advise that I would be happy to come back at a later time to meet with the director and take the full tour. I personally feel the more times you drop in, the more comfortable you will be.

Also contact the Child Care Council to check for violations. That may naturally eliminate certain centers.

HTH