What Questions Do I Ask

J. - first, make sure you check them out with the state - http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child...

After that - as far as questions - you will drive yourself crazy trying to remember all the "correct" things to ask. Instead, go with an open mind - I recommend you NOT having a list of questions - instead, just listen to the director and ask any questions that come to mind. Your main objective is to find out if this is a place you will feel comfortable leaving your child. You will not find this out by asking "what time is lunch?" Listen to what the director is saying, but watch what is going on. As you're walking through, pay attention to the classes and the teachers. What's going on in those rooms? Does it look inviting? Comfortable? Are the kids crying? Is there a reason for the crying?

Most centers comply with state and/or federal guidelines for ratios, nutrition, sick policies, blah, blah, blah, so as long as they are accredited, you are probably in good shape. Ask what accreditations they hold, then in your spare time, look it all up. Better yet, ask for the handbook which will explain all their policies. Everything you think you should be concerend about will be in that handbook.

The most important advice I can give is do NOT FORGET you are IN CHARGE. It is so overwhelming, I know, and your instinct will be just to go along, acting a little meek, not pushy, because you don't want to come off wrong, but trust me, stay strong. If she doesn't offer to show you the kitchen, ask to see it. If she hesitates, that's a clue. If you want to spend some time looking into the room your child will potentially be in, let her know you want to just observe for a few minutes.

I suggest you tour both facilities back to back so you can better compare. Then, later, after you have gotten over the horror that yes, you WILL have to leave your baby at one of these places, maybe you'll have a few questions that you want answers to - so call them up and ask.

I toured so many when I was looking, and I sobbed and sobbed after each one. I ended up hiring a nanny temporarily until I could find something. The second I walked into the center, I knew it was for me and my baby. And I've been there ever since (he's now 2 1/2).

I wish you so much luck - and lots of virtual hugs as you embark on this emotional roller coaster! - S.

I got this off www.parenting.ivillage.com. I am touring TutorTime today and needed a list too.

Outside Childcare Facility:

Is the center licensed to provide childcare? If so, by whom?
Does the center accept infants?
How many providers actively care for the babies? (One for every three infants is ideal, even if state requirements allow more infants per provider.)
What is the staff turnover rate?
What is the training of the center director and staff in early childhood development, first aid, infant CPR and choking?
Is the center bright, attractive, clean, safe, big enough?
Are the babies separated from the older children? Does each baby have her own crib?
Are appropriate safety and prevention measures in place?
What is a typical day like?
Are many different types of learning experiences offered?
What types of discipline techniques do the providers use? (There should be no discipline used on infants.)
Is there "life" in the center or home? Do the providers seem to enjoy their jobs?
Are staffers friendly and warm toward the children?
Are babies held when fed? How often are they held and rocked?
Are babies regularly played with, cuddled, taken outdoors?
What is the staff's approach to soothing a crying baby?
How frequent are diaper changes?
Is the provider willing to take notes on a baby's daily schedule and activities?
Do parents participate? How?
Are parents encouraged, and able, to visit any time during the day?
Will the center store breast milk and feed it to your baby?
How well do the director and staff seem to communicate? Do your communication styles mesh?
How does your baby respond to the caregivers?
Policies and Procedures

What hours and days is care offered?
Are emergency numbers posted?
What is the first-aid protocol?
What are the rules regarding the handling of child illness?
How does the center handle giving medications?
Is a form required to authorize medical services?
What type of backup care can be arranged in case of provider or child illness?
Costs:
What is the base charge? Is there an additional charge for overtime or late pickup?
Must you pay when the child is absent?

Good Luck! SAHM, TLee

Primose and Creme de la Creme are good schools. Looking back these are things I wish I would've asked early on instead of finding out along the way:

-child/teacher ratios
-teacher turnover / how often and how is it communicated to the students and parents
-sick policies
-if part time care is available
-if 'parents nights out' are available
-if there are extracurricular activities you can enroll in through the school
-how the curriculum is communicated to the parents
-discipline policies
-parental involvement
-late pick up policy
-potty training policies
-extra fees for supplies, summer programs, etc.
-provide or bring diapers, wipes, etc.
-what kind of daily feedback is provided
-what is the transition schedule
-can parents drop in
-is there a place for a breastfeeding mom to come during the day and nurse
-policies regarding children with allergies
-menus
-weekly or monthly payment options
-do vacation and snow day policies follow a certain school district

That's all I can think of now. Good luck!

Hi, J.! You need to look for things that are a concern for you - here are a few of mine:
1) Are the teachers down at the kids' level interacting with the children? Or are they standing around talking to other teachers, eating or other stuff not directly related to the children?
2) What discipline techniques do they use? For instance, how do they handle if your child just won't listen that day? Specifics would be preferable to give you a good idea.
3) What are their goals for your child? Educational, emotional, physical, etc.
4) Get a meal plan (does it fit with your family's eating habits/styles?). Find out what you are responsible for. Should you have breakfast at home and then be ready for class upon drop-off or drop-off earlier and have breakfast at school? You'll have to determine what works for you.
5) Get an outline of a typical day's schedule (should include free playtime, meals, snacks, learning time, music, etc.)
6) Where do they nap? Is it clean and safe?
7) Observe the food prep area and where the kids eat, is it clean? Are there cleaning products around?
8) Does the room contribute to learning (inviting to the kids) or is it disorganized, cluttered or messy?
9) How is communication between staff and parents handled?
10) Find out how long your child's teachers have been at the center, where they come from (background history), and what their goals are.
11) Do you click with the teachers? It's all about feel.

That's just a few, but I'm a bit A/R!

My daughter used to attend Creme De La Creme in Coppell. I had a really really BAD experience with them. In fact, I reported them to DFCS. I won't go into details, but something that I will tell you is that once I brought some of the problems to the Director and expressed that other parents were having the same concerns, she told me in no uncertain terms NOT to discuss any concerns that I have with other parents. She further went on to tell me that she doesn't want any group of parents coming to her with concerns, in fact that she would hear our concerns only individually. Well, that coupled with the fact that in the six months my daughter was there, there were five or six different teachers in my daughter's room. 5-6 teachers in 6 months. High turnover alone is a big RED FLAG!!

Best of luck in your search.

S.

Hi J., It seems the other moms have given you excellent questions to ask each of these centers. And I do HIGHLY recommend checking the DCFS state website referenced by one of the other mothers as well. Additionally, my advice is to visit these facilities at least 2 or 3 times, at different times of the day, before you decide. I was in love with a particular facility I visited back in April and when I went back to visit it again weeks later with my husband, I couldn't figure out what I was so in love with before. I determined that I was taken with the visual aspect the first time, but when I went back and paid more attention to the real goings on at the center, it wasn't as impressive. After visiting all the centers again, we determined another one was the best of the bunch, and it was the one I visited second on my first time around. The only difference was I wasn't so caught up in how I felt about the first center and was able to see the actual goings on at the second center, and all subsequent centers, to get a really good perspective on what was really important for a good daycare facility. Teachers on the floor playing with and teaching the kids, happy kids, clean facility, a director that takes tons of time answering every question and explaining everything about the center to you. It was amazing how different everything appeared on my second visit. There was one center I was considering because the cost was so much less. After visiting it the second time, there was no way I was going to leave my child there. The classroom was miniscule and the outside play area had no grass or shade. The very limited playground equipment was old, faded and dirty, and no matter how cheap it was to send my child there, I couldn't see any child thriving in that environment. We decided to spend the extra money to put our child in a facility that fosters learning and playing in the way we would want to experience it. That second visit was priceless. Don't make a decision without it! Good luck!

Hi there!

Look into www.smartstartecec.com It is on the same road as Creme de la creme. I used to work there and my DD will be going there in a couple of months. You can email me if you have any other questions.

R.