DC Facility

[JulieBaby]

I'd like the input of the that have had theuir kids in Daycare facilities please!

An opportunity has presented itself so that I can start working as soon as next week.

Ive checked a daycare that is a few houses down from DS1's preschool. They live on premises but the care center is a different building. I spoke to the Director, she seems wonderful. I have a few doubts though.

They have 3 seperate areas, the older children (about 3 to 4.5), toddlers (almost 2) and the babies (the oldest looked about 15months) She tells me the twins will be placed with the toddlers. Im kind of worried though as she tells me they wont be napping in cribs, but on matresses on the floor. I doubt hey will stay put, and will probably end up bugging the heck out of all the kids who actually do sleep.

Also, she tells me that later in the year they start to potty training. They dont push the kids or anything, is this ok?

Anything else you can help me on would be great as ive never taken my kids to an actual center.

BTW, the place is wonderful. Theyve got a nice area outside to play, inside the groups are divided by baby gates, the kids all look wonderful. One thing I found that I really liked is that all younger babies have their own crib (it is theirs to use for the entire year) and that all baby swings and high chairs have no covers. They also dont use playpens for the same reason they dont have covers on the swing, because of the bacteria in saliva.

Also, they have their own cafeteria and parent meeting room.

[Tweet]

I was on bedrest from week 17 to week 34 with DS. During that time DD1 was at a daycare facility from 7am to 4:30-5pm. She was about 15 months when she started and was placed in the toddler room. I can't remember exactly what ages all the kids were, but they were not older than two. She did really,really well. They did sleep on mats as well and not in cribs. She didn't always nap,but it didn't take long to figure out that everyone pretty much laid down during that time. She would sometimes get up and one of the teachers would read to her.

[Peeka2]

I have worked in a bunch of daycare facilities and now I run my own home daycare. In my experience kids (even the younger ones) catch on and do what the other kids are doing in a daycare setting. Most of the time when young ones nap and the floor the providers sit on the floor next to them and pat their backs.

Don't be afraid to ask for references. And call them.
Find of the child/adult ratio. That is very important.
Potty training. I would ask what she means by that. Its one thing to have a "potty time" where all the kids try to use the potty its another to put them in pull ups and expect them to know what to do.
Are they on a food program?
What do they use to sanitize toys. I would be wary of harsh chemicals being used around my kids. Although I use a bleach solution to clean toys.
What is their schedule?
What is their rules on pacifiers and blankets?
Disipline proceeders?
Sick children?
Emergancies?
Everyone who works there is CPR and First Aide certified.

Ask to see their daycare liscense. Ask if they accept child care assistance or Free and reduces Lunches?

Just a few questions I would ask. It always suprises me how few questions parents ask during an interview when I always came with a list of them ready in hand. :)

[JulieBaby]

I edited your quote just so I can answer the questions, hope thats alright!

Don't be afraid to ask for references. And call them.
This daycare is my #1 choice because Iknow of so many parents that have or have had kids there. It is highly recommended :) yet oh so affordable.

Find of the child/adult ratio. That is very important. The toddler room consists of 1 teacher and 3 kids (with the twins it would be 5 to 1) is that too much?
In the baby room there is 1 adult and about 4-5 older babies (no newborns)
With the older kids I think there are about 20 kids, 2 teachers, about the same as DS1's preschool.

What is safe in regard to adult kid ratio?

Potty training. I would ask what she means by that. Its one thing to have a "potty time" where all the kids try to use the potty its another to put them in pull ups and expect them to know what to do.

Basically it is just introducing them to the potty. Imade it very clear that I am against pushing a kid to potty train if there arent ready.

Are they on a food program? I will have to ask but I do know that they provide all food an adjust diets according to child (if they need a special diet)

What do they use to sanitize toys. I would be wary of harsh chemicals being used around my kids. Although I use a bleach solution to clean toys. GREAT question, I will ask.

What is their schedule? Will ask

hat is their rules on pacifiers and blankets? Good question but I didnt think of asking as my boys dont use either. I did see one of the toddlers with a paci.

Disipline proceeders?

Sick children?
Emergancies?
Everyone who works there is CPR and First Aide certified. CPR and First Aide yes

Ask to see their daycare liscense. Ask if they accept child care assistance or Free and reduces Lunches?

She offered to let me see it, so im taking this as a good sign?

[Peeka2]

You can check out daycare regulations in your area. I am self-certified and am allowed 4 infants(under 2) or 5 older children. I know that rules vary depending on what type of daycare you are. Group, Family, Home child care. There are different kinds.

Although I think that ratio you descibed sounds pretty good.

Call your local Social Services and ask to speak with someone in their Child Daycare Division.

Sounds like you have asked quite a few questions already so that is good. You may also want to ask her about billing. Free days, sick days, overtime and late charges. Most daycares charge a flat rate whether your child is there or not. Its frustrating to the provider and the parent when billing is not clear to everyone involved.

Your best reference IS other parents so that is great!

[JulieBaby]

Oh and sorry if this may sound bitchy, but before Hambugga come in here and provides her 2 cents, YES this job will get me off of WIC.