Finding quality childcare is a priority for any parents, and success often hinges on asking the right questions along the way. When visiting a daycare it’s important to get as much information as possible about the caregivers, educational program, safety practices, sick policies, cost, and more. Below you will find the best questions to ask to find the right day care provider for your children!
Qualifying a provider isn’t just about finding someone who fits into the family budget – it’s also about selecting someone who is knowledgeable and shares similar parenting philosophies so that your child has the best care possible. Before committing to daycare, it’s important to take your time touring facilities and speaking with providers. The following list of questions will help you determine if the daycare is a suitable childcare establishment for your child.
What are the daycare's policies? When searching for the right daycare provider, it is important to know and understand the facility’s policies. Ask the provider questions about their policies regarding drop-off and pick-up times, diaper changing, food and snacks, sleep time, discipline methods, types of learning activities offered, and other relevant topics. Furthermore, it's important to know the formal policies such as vaccination policies, discipline policies, and safe sleep policies. Knowing Georgia's daycare policies helps you determine if their philosophies align with your own parenting style.
How long has the daycare center been open? When considering a daycare provider for your child, it is important to ask how long the center has been open. Finding out the length of time that a daycare provider has been in business can be an indicator of their experience and dedication to the field.
How many children are enrolled in the program? Knowing how many children are enrolled in the program allows you to get an idea of the staff-to-child ratio and overall atmosphere of the daycare. It can also help you determine if there will be enough space for your child to be able to participate in all the fun activities they may want to participate in.
Does the daycare center have any accreditations or certifications? One of the most important things to ask about is any accreditations or certifications that the daycare center may have. Accreditations and certifications from outside organizations can provide an excellent indication of how well-equipped the facility is to provide top-notch service.
Is there an outdoor play area or other areas for physical activity? One of the most important questions to ask is whether there is an outdoor play area or other areas for physical activity. Many childcare providers offer only indoor activities, which can be limiting for young children who need to move and explore the world around them. Being able to access an outdoor space with sufficient supervision will ensure that your child has plenty of opportunities for growth.
Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare center, and what is their quality? Make sure you ask whether meals and snacks are provided and what the quality of the food is. It's important to make sure that the nutritional aspect of the food is covered by the daycare provider. It's also important to ask how they handle children's food sensitivities and food allergies. Lastly, make sure you find out how they handle food preparation in the daycare to ensure safety precautions are being carried out.
Is there a system of daily reports to keep parents updated on their child’s activities and progress throughout the day? Another important question to ask is whether they have a system of daily reports that can keep parents updated on their child’s daily activities and progress. Knowing this information can help parents feel more at ease when leaving their child at a daycare facility, and provide reassurance that their child is receiving quality care from the daycare staff.
Are there any additional fees associated with enrolling your child in the program (e.g., registration, supplies, etc.)? It is important to ask a potential daycare provider about any additional fees associated with enrolling your child in the program. These additional fees may include registration fees, supplies, activity fees, and other extra costs. It is important to understand these additional costs before making a decision on which daycare provider is right for your family. Knowing what these additional costs are can help you compare prices between different childcare providers.
Questions About Child Care Provider Qualifications & Philosophy
What Is Your Discipline Policy? Asking about the discipline policy will give you an idea of how the daycare enforces rules and encourages positive behavior. Ask about specific techniques the provider uses to address disciplinary situations such as fighting, hitting, and other negative behaviors. It's also important to find out what kinds of rewards they use for positive behaviors, such as praise or stickers.
What Is Your Overall Child Care Philosophy? This question can provide insight into how the provider will be caring for your child and what type of caring environment they create. The answer should be detailed and include things like their discipline approach, interactions with other children, kinds of activities provided, and any educational goals that they have in mind.
What are the Staff Qualifications? Ask what type of training the current staff has received and if they are certified in any specific areas. Additionally, inquire about how long the staff members have been working with children and what their experience level is with children by age.
Can I Observe or Visit My Child Whenever I Like? It's important to find out what the daycare's visitation policy is. Getting this question answered will help you to have peace of mind, knowing that you can check in on your child throughout the day, as well as give you an opportunity to get to know the daycare provider better.
What Is Your Preferred Staff-Child Ratio? When selecting a daycare provider, it’s important to ask them about their preferred child-staff ratio. A lower ratio of staff to children is generally considered the ideal, as this allows each child more individual attention and care. Additionally, this decreases the likelihood of overcrowding or chaotic behavior in the classroom.
What Supplies Am I Expected to Provide? Be sure to ask the provider about any necessary items such as formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, and clothing that you are expected to provide. If the daycare requires parents to provide certain items, make sure that you have an understanding of what is required and whether it is something that fits within your budget.
How Do You Communicate With Parents? Ask the daycare provider how they will let you know how your child is doing throughout the day. If there is an issue that needs to be addressed, make sure it is clear how they will inform you. It’s important to find out what kind of communication methods are in place so that you can stay informed about your child at all times.
How Do You and Your Staff Handle Misbehavior? The question of how a daycare provider and their staff handle misbehavior is an important one to ask when deciding on the right daycare provider. It is important to find out if the daycare provider has clear expectations of children’s behavior, and what measures they take to ensure that all children are behaving appropriately.
Questions Related To Safety & Health Practices
How are the Daycare Teachers Treated? A good daycare provider should make sure that their staff is well-compensated, respected, and supported. It's important to ask about employee turnover. If the staff turnover rates are quite high, this could be a red flag.
What are your Emergency Plans? Knowing how they plan to handle emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, or medical issues can help you feel more secure that your child will be safe in their care. Additionally, this will give you an idea of how the daycare is prepared and organized. You should also ask about the specifics of the safety protocols.
What is the Sick Child Policy? It is important to ask potential daycare providers about their sick child policy. This will help you understand how they handle illnesses in the daycare setting and what protocols are in place to protect your child's health. It's also important to ask if the daycare has a qualified nurse on staff.
What are the Security Practices? Knowing that your child will be safe and secure in their child care center is paramount. Ask what safety measures they have in place in the facility, such as keypad entry systems or locked doors. You should also inquire about how they store medical information and any other confidential data, as well as how they manage visitors.
Contact Marks Law Group Today if You Have Questions Concerning Your Child's Safety!
Are you looking for advice on how to find the right daycare provider for your child? If so, it’s important that you make sure that you are asking all of the right questions before making a final decision. At Marks Law Group, we understand the importance of ensuring that your child is being cared for safely and securely.
Furthermore, if you have any questions concerning your child's safety at daycare, don't hesitate to call us at (678) 251-9309 for a free consultation. We will make sure you understand your parental rights and that your child is safe at the childcare facility of your choice.
