"THINGS TO ASK"

When considering day care options, ask the following questions
• What kind of experience do you have in working with children?
• Have you had any special training or schooling?
• Can you give me the names of at least two parents whose children you have kept? (to be contacted as references)
• What kind of discipline do you use?
• When was your last physical examination? Do you have any health problems?
• What kinds of toys and equipment do you have?
• Will my child be supervised at all times?
• What will you feed my child? Which meals? Kinds of food?
• Where will my child sleep?
• Where will you be while my child is sleeping?
• Will my child have the opportunity to play outside each day, weather permitting?
• Where do you keep medicines and cleaning supplies?
• Will you take my child off the premises? Where? How often?
• Will my child be transported in a car or van? How often? Where will they be taken?
• Can I visit my child at any time while he is in day care?
• How much do you charge per child?

When seven or more children are kept:
• Do you have a license?
• How many children does each adult supervise?
  

When children are kept in a private home:
• Other than children in day care, who else will be in your home while my child is there?
• Will my child be left with anyone else while you shop, keep doctors appointments or are ill? Who? Will I be notified in advance?
• Including your own children and day care children, do you have more than two children less than two years of age?
  

These are general questions for parents to ask prospective day care providers. You will also want to ask specific questions which relate to your child's needs. For example, you may want to discuss changing, toileting, food preferences, allergies and time for homework.