One of the first things you should look for when visiting a potential Daycare is the ratio of staff members to children. It is ideal to have at least one staff member to 6 or 8 children; possibly up to 10 or 12 children, but certainly no more. Ask the staff if they normally separate the small children from the older kids. This is an important practice to reduce the possibility of passing around viruses.





Next ask about the Daycare Centerís policies on illness, discipline, and nutrition as well as food preparation. You will not want to opt for a Daycare that uses any physical means of punishing a child, or any other discipline practices that would be inappropriate. Their policy on illness should include not accepting a child while they are ill, and to inform the parents of other children at any time they find that their children may have been exposed to a serious infection. In addition to the health and safety of your child, the policy should also contain information on billing and payment practices. You will want to have a copy of their policies in writing.



Some additional health related issues that you will want to know about are subjects such as, are vaccinations and a physical exam required before a child is admitted to the center? Are there medical personnel available incase of sickness or accident, and does the day care center keep a record of health-related problems, such as illnesses, injuries and accidents, for each child?



After you have been satisfied on various policy issues you will next want to turn your attention to the staff themselves. Ask how the center screens their employees. What is the employee turnover rate? It is important that all members of the staff be screened with background checks; in addition you will want to be sure that all staff members have training in Child Development as well as First Aid. You will want people with a quality background and education taking care of your child.



Building and playground safety should be another important issue to explore. You will want your Daycare provider to have a safe environment for your child. Walk around the building and grounds looking for anything that could be dangerous, such as unfenced play areas, matted surfaces around equipment, smoke detectors, electric outlet covers, etc. You will want the center to be as completely childproof as possible; in addition ask them how they protect the children from interaction with strangers. Are the fences high, and do they have a room separate from the children where visitors are received, etc.



Some warning signs that may tell you to steer clear of a certain childcare provider include such things as the staff not being able to answer your questions sufficiently, they have no written policy. There are frequently staff changes, or unexplained accidents to any of the children. Ask parents of other children at the center how well they feel their child is being taken care of and, if their have been any problems.



Should you encounter any of these warning signs, or the Daycareís policy or premises makes you in the least bit uncomfortable, keep looking. There are quality Daycare Centerís out there, itís just a matter of finding the right one for you and your child.



Information Source



American Academy of Pediatrics

 

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