Interviewing Day Cares

Before you send your child off to a day care center, it's imperative to arrange a visit to the site. This should be done following an initial phone interview, in which you can ask general questions about cost, openings at the center, the caregiver's experience, etc. Try to visit more than once. Also, show up unannounced at different times of day, in order to see various activities and staff-child interactions. Bring your child with you to get his opinion and see how he responds to the staff and other children.

Most importantly, trust your intuition. You may have to visit more than one center before finding the right one for you.

The following is a list of additional questions that should help you know what to ask when interviewing a potential day care provider. Don't forget to also observe the environment and ask yourself if it appears inviting and safe.

Credentials

• Is your center licensed by the state? (Don't be afraid to ask to see the license).
• Is your center accredited by the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)?
• Does your staff know first aid, CPR, and rescue breathing?
• What is the staff turnover rate?
• Have background checks been conducted on the staff?
• Are staff members trained on how to safely position a sleeping infant?

Caregiving techniques

• What is the child-staff ratio? A good general guide is one adult for every three infants and every six toddlers or older children.
• What is the age range of children and the average length of time they stay with your center?
• Are children always supervised, even during nap time?
• What activities/meals are provided? How much time is there for structured versus unstructured play?
• How do you handle diapering and toilet training?
• How is each child's uniqueness acknowledged?
• How do you establish trust with children?
• Do you ever take the children off-site? If so, what are your procedures for notifying parents and getting permission?

Policies and procedures

• What are your policies if a child is sick or we go on vacation?
• Do you allow parents to drop in at any time?
• Do you accommodate special requests? Can you offer a flexible schedule?
• What records do you keep on my child?
• How do you communicate with parents?

Health and safety

• Is there a written manual for emergencies?
• Are emergency numbers posted?
• What health and safety measures do you take?
• Some important health/safety factors to look for and ask about include:
• Regular inspections
• Regular hand washing by both children and staff members
• Regular checks of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
• Electrical outlets covered
• Windows guarded
• Cleaning supplies/medications/toxic materials locked in cabinet
• Playground fenced in and equipment safe

Use these tips and questions to find a high-quality day care center for your child. If you find the right one, day care can be a great way for your child to develop interests, learn new skills, and interact with others.