[Submitted Question]

My husband and I are determined to find a good daycare setting for our little boy. I would like some advice on which questions we should ask possible daycare providers.

Blanche I., Kentucky

[WombToBloom]

The questions I would ask include:

* current licensing and inspection information
* meal and nap schedules – do they expect all children to conform to strict schedule? How is this enforced?
* caregiver to child ratio and staff turnover information if daycare center
* are background checks performed for every employee?
* how do they approach discipline with different age groups
* are age groups separated? How?
* if your son is still a baby, do they hold and bottle-feed or do they prop bottles?
* if your son is a toddler, how do they work with potty-training?
* what types of activities are on the schedule each day? Art? Music? Storytime? Free play? Outdoor play?
* what are your operating hours and what happens if you are late picking your child up?
* are there dates on which you are closed?
* for in-home care giver, what do you do if YOU are sick? How are we notified and is there a back-up care giver?
* and, of course, how much do you charge and do you have openings?

[MrsAshley]

I would also add a few things to that wonderful list. The situations in my life have dealt primarily with nanny's as opposed to a day care but I think these could work for both.
-CPR certified? I guess this would fall under state licensing.
-Do they go for outings to a pool? (many do) If so, how many staff are comfortable saving a child from the water? Because pools are often crowded in summer and a life guard may not see in time.
-What is your day care's turn over rate? For consistency's sake.
-Ask what their plan is for discipline? For obvious reasons.
- Ask about daily activities? Basically to find out if the child will be learning hands on or just watching Barney all day.
I'm a big fan of in-home one on one nanny care. I don't want to advertise for the company I've used in the past but if you'd like more information you can check out a button on the left wall of my blog. There they have tons of info to ask care givers, they can run a background check for you, and so much more. I wish you the best in your care giver search!

[WombToBloom]

Excellent questions to ask and so much deeper than mine, lol!

[Chelziee]

IDK about other places, but Here in Tn the more "stars" the better the place. Every place can have from 0-5 stars here. 5 being the best. But I prefer in home daycare. cheaper, and I feel that there is a more personal relationship, and there are different questions for each setting
*What is the daily routine like from day to day?
*What meals will be served or what time the packed lunch will be given?
*Where will my child sleep?
*What are punishments?
*Who insures the facility?
*How are the personel trained? Are they Red Cross Certified in CPR?
*Is there a Nurse at the day care?
*Is there out side play? If there was a play ground I would ask to see it. When do they go out to play?
*How is the child sorted into a room? (by age?)
*Do they work with you child on potty training or must they be potty trained by a specific age?
*What is the cirriculum for his age group?
*What are the hours and is after hours care?
*What days are they closed?

And if you dont feel comfortable you dont have to settle!
Good LUCK!