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Daycare Research Questions

Whether or not you have the desire or need to place your child into daycare or other childcare services, being prepared for their eventual start of "time out of the house" will happen. You must do your homework on where you're placing your child, making sure they have the best care possible, which will allow you the most peace of mind. Good luck on this search, hopefully this list of questions saves you some time and helps address all of your concerns.

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Location Details:

  • Have you ever flooded?

  • Mold inspections?

  • Years in operation?

  • Same owners? For how long?

 

Hours of operation:

  • Start and pickup times?

  • Mon-Fri only?

  • Holiday schedule?

 

Pricing:

  • Same price for part time or full time?

  • What is the charge for late pickup?

  • If open on holidays, higher cost?

 

Security & Cameras:

  • How do you identify who is picking up baby?

  • Do parents have access to the camera feeds to check-in during the day?

  • If there is a situation do we have access to recordings?

  • Will photo updates be provided if no live camera feed available?

 

Safety:

  • Bad behavior policy? (i.e. biting)

  • Bullying policy?

  • I.C.E. - what’s the protocol?

  • Urgent Care or ER? (Where?)

  • Alternative pick-up person, how is that handled?

 

Structure & Curriculum:

  • Age ranges per room?

  • Number of children per room/class?

  • Any screen time provided?

  • If so, how long and what material shown?

  • Style: STEM/STEAM or Montessori

  • Is there a learning curriculum?

  • Teach any languages or ASL?

  • Is there any religious exposure or observance to the school or curriculum?


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Teachers/Aids:

  • Staff longevity?

  • Same staff in the classroom everyday?

  • Student to teacher ratio?

  • Background check process?

  • Is staff W2 or 1099 contractors?

 

Food & Feeding:

  • How is the food prepared?

  • Where is it served?

  • What dietary accommodations can be made?

  • What meals are provided?

  • How many snacks are given daily? What kind of snacks?

  • If food is provided, what are the details with the menu (options, organic, sourced).

  • If not, food preparation assistance available? (i.e. heating, cutting)

  • Assistance provided for feeding?

  • Bibs provided?

 

Naps:

  • How, where, and what accommodations?

  • Do we provide linens?

  • If not, frequency of cleaning?

 

Diapers:

  • Provide our own wipes and diapers?

  • Unless obviously needed, what’s the frequency of diaper changes?

  • Potty training help?

 

Outside Playtime:

  • How long is spent outdoors?

  • Any temperature restrictions?

 

Health:

  • Toy cleaning frequency

  • Facility cleaning frequency

  • Illness protocols

  • Fever regulations?

  • Doctor note to return?

  • Contagious illness awareness from other students?

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