How to Find the Right Daycare
COMMUNITY SOURCED: The questions to ask and the things to consider
My Instagram stories are my safe place. I’m scared of TikTok, I regularly forget about Twitter, I get self conscious about my grid, Twitch and Discord sort of came and went - oh but stories! I sincerely enjoy sharing and gathering information there, and the universe has blessed me with a buzzing story group of smart chatty Kathy’s willing to talk with me about anything that comes up!
I’m beginning to wrap my head around daycare for my 18 month old daughter. We’re still about 1 or 2 years away from enrolling her, but I get slightly dizzy just imagining the waitlists that I’ll need to get on in addition to the applications and the tours. So I asked my beloved IGSP (instagramstorypeople) for their feedback on what to ask and what to consider when researching and touring daycares. I organized the information into categories below:
DAYCARE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
Admissions
Is there an application process?
Is there a waitlist situation?
Curriculum
Does this daycare follow a particular child development philosophy? (Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia etc.)
What is the philosophy on correction, discipline, conflict resolution?
What is the philosophy on tantrums and big feelings?
Operations and Communication
Hours of operation?
What days are they closed?
Do they offer make up days?
Is there a strict drop-off time?
Are there late pick up fees?
Do they allow last minute drop-ins?
How do they communicate with or update parents? Camera access? Texts?
Health and Safety
How is the facility regulated, are there regular licensing inspections and health inspections?
How often do they clean the classroom and toys?
What is the emergency procedure and how often do they practice this?
Security: How do people get access to the buildings and outdoor play areas?
What is the covid protocol for staff and children?
What is the sickness protocol for both kids and teachers?
Classes
What is the curriculum, daily schedule?
How often do the kids play inside vs. outside?
Is screen time part of the day?
What is the student to teacher ratio?
What is the age range in each class?
What is provided vs. what you need to bring (ex. Diapers, blanket, water bottle, snacks, wipes)?
What is the meal program?
What is the nap schedule and what are the sleeping conditions?
How often are diapers checked?
Do they assist with potty training?
Approach to cleanliness for children? Washing hands, removing shoes inside, etc.
Teachers
What qualifications are needed to be a teacher at this facility?
Are the staff members CPR and First Aid certified?
Teacher tenure vs. turnover?
Are the teachers happy, do they feel supported by their team, parents, and community?
Thank you to my IGSP who wrote in! I found this to be super helpful and I know there are others who will find this helpful too.
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For those of you who have taken that hot and sexy leap over the paywall, you’ll be pleased to find that just beyond the wall is a super cute PDF version of this list! The worksheet also includes some of my own additional thoughts and considerations. Upgrade to a paid subscription to continue reading and access the worksheet!