Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I called a daycare today (Summerfield Childcare in Holtsville). The rate is decent, $1185 a month, but she said I had to make an appointment for a tour. That kind of threw me off since all the other places I called said to just come in. Would you bother going or just move on?

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I WOULD KEEP GOING!!

I wouldn't let a place prepare for my visit. They should allow pop ins, what do they have to hide is what i would be thinking...

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I would just show up on a random day and tell them your interested in information. I wouldnt give up on the place entirely....

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I would still see it.

Some of the daycares we visited told us to come within a certain time of the day. Before 2 pm, etc... (because parents come pick up the kids, etc.. so they can't attend to you AND making sure which kid is going with what parent).

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I had to make an appt to tour Connors daycare originally. The kids nap at certain times of the day so I wouldn't have been able to see the entire center if I came at those times. Also the director is not always there.

I can pop in anytime I want now.

Go see it regardless.

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Another reason they may want to schedule an appt. is for the children's safety so people are not randomly walking in and out. There may be times when the kids are moving from room to room or playing outside and don't want "random" people around. Just a thought.

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I would suggest going to see it. We made appts with all of the centers - although a few told us to come in any time. The others had holiday events going on so it seemed to be more a matter of making sure that the timing didn't conflict.

I think it's more important that parents are able to drop in without notice...so as long as they are allowing that - I personally wouldn't hold the tour appt against them. Some use it as a security measure.

But definitely go with your gut...no one will no what's best for your child than you. Good Luck!

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Okay, a lot of you made valid points so I'll make an appointment and go from there. Thanks for the replies!

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I would go and arrive a little early, like 15-20 min at least.

You can also ask for references from other parents

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

My daycare told me when to come in because they have a secure door & need someone to let you in. The other reason is they want to make sure one of the directors are available for a tour.

I never thought of it as preparing for my visit. In fact when I showed up earlier they told me I needed to wait for the director because they were not allowed to take strangers on tours of the facility.

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

I dont think there is anything wrong with needing an appointment for a tour--they need to have someone available to show you around. I WOULD be concerned if they required you to make an appointment to come in once your child is enrolled...that is a different story! They should have an open door policy for parents whose kids attend.

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

My SIL owns an early learning center/daycare in Commack and they do most of their tours by appointment. It's safer for the children that are already enrolled is their reason. They like to know who is coming and going, especially if it's not a parent of someone currently in their care.

ETA: They do have an open door policy for parents of chidren currently enrolled.

Message edited 1/23/2007 6:34:39 PM.

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Most of the centers I toured also wanted appts so they could have someone available to take me around - day care centers get very busy, and people can be on the phone or busy with other things if you just pop in... In fact, only one center told me to come anytime, and I was surprised. Of course, i wound up coming during nap time for the entire center, so had to come back - I think I would have preferred them telling me to come at a specific time. I actually wound up choosing them though...

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

This happened to my girlfriend...she made an appointment with a daycare - she liked the way everything was on the appointment but she didn't like the idea that she needed an appointment so for the heck of it she stopped in unannounced and much to her surprise she was NOT happy with what she saw...there were 2 people and 20 children..she was NOT happy

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?

Re: Would You Tour A Daycare That Required An Appt?