Choosing the Right Daycare for Your Child: Know What Questions to Ask

Choosing daycare for your child is a big task. There are many variables to consider in choosing the right type of daycare setting, and the right place for your child. There are questions you should ask of yourself, and of potential daycare providers to help you choose the right daycare for you and your child.

Begin by assessing your childcare needs. What days and times do you need? What type of setting will you feel most comfortable with- center- based, a group family daycare, or someone to come to your home? Do you want your child in a structured or unstructured setting? Do you want to have an emphasis on academics?

Once you answer these questions, you will have an idea of what type of daycare will work best for you and your child. You can now begin the task of interviewing childcare providers or touring centers.

If you are opting to bring your child to a daycare center or a group family daycare, you will need to research centers in your area. Consider location, tour the facilities, meet the staff and get to know their schedules and curriculum. Your research of centers should also include asking questions of the staff on a number of topics.

Physical environment
Is the center clean and in good condition? Is it organized? Are all areas visible to the caregivers? Are toys and equipment age appropriate and in good repair? Is there a variety of materials available? Is it a relaxed, welcoming environment?

Staff
What qualifications are required for lead and assistant teachers? Do the teachers receive ongoing training? Are the staff trained in first aid and CPR? What is the turnover rate? Who fills in when a teacher is absent? Is the center licensed?

Curriculum
What curriculum do they use? What is the daily routine? How flexible are they? What discipline techniques do they use? How will you know what is going on in the classroom?

Safety
What safety measures do they take for emergency situations, for allergies and injuries? Do they require ID from all adults before entering the classrooms or picking up children? What is their policy on sick children attending? Do they allow parents to drop in unannounced?

Meals
What meals are provided? Is the menu varied and nutritious? Are children encouraged to try new foods? Are meals served family-style? Are there alternatives for children with allergies?

Special needs
If your child has special needs, what will they do to accommodate them? Do they have the staff and resources to meet your child's needs?

If you have chosen to find someone to come to your home, there are some other things to consider. You will probably want to interview several candidates before selecting one. You may want to ask questions about experience. How much experience do they have, with what age children and in what type of environment? Are they trained in first aid and CPR? What discipline techniques do they use? You may want to give a hypothetical scenario and ask how they would respond.

In addition, ask for references and consider doing a background check. This is an investment, but worth it to be sure the person has no criminal record. Consider asking some of the same questions you would of a group care provider or daycare center. What types of activities will they do with your child? Will they provide academic lessons (if that is what you want)?

Once you have asked all of these questions and considered several options for daycare for your child, there is one final question to ask yourself. This is perhaps the most important one: Will you feel comfortable leaving your child in this environment or with this person? If you have a bad feeling about it, even if you think you are over reacting or are being too critical, pay attention to it. If you don't, you will not be happy with your childcare arrangements, and will worry. It's better to take more time to find the right daycare provider for your child.