Photograph by Campbell Salgado Studio
If you ask parents about their experience with finding the right childcare, the resounding answer is: Ask the Right Questions. So we compiled a list of questions that parents found helpful in determining what childcare option was best for them, with the goal of getting a conversation started to learn even more about them.
How long have you been in business?
What is your other experience?
Do you have a current state license?
How many children do you currently watch?
How do you support a breastfed baby?
What are the rules about potty usage?
Do you help potty train?
What are your hours?
What is the holiday schedule?
What is the cost?
Do I pay when my child is ill or we’re onvacation?
How often do you require payment?
How do you prefer to communicate with parents? Text? Email?
What types of activities do you do during the day? Field trips?
What form of discipline do you practice?
What types of foods are offered and what are the rules about providing food?
Do you have any other caregivers? Are they approved by the state?
Is smoking allowed in or outside the house?
Are immunizations required?
Where do children sleep during naptime?
Is swaddling allowed?
Are you willing to participate in a background
check?
Do you have references I can call?
One last word, from local mom Candace Tutt, “When I look for childcare I usually try to visit the in-home center twice, once after hours and once while they have children. This way I can get a feeling for the home when it is busy and when it is calm. Usually, you know right away from walking into the house if this is the right fit for you and your child. I look for children around my kiddos age, too. If I ever had any doubts about the daycare, I would just move onto the next one. NO MATTER WHAT!”
