Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Daycare

Choosing a Daycare can be a one of the mostHand Washing and Diapering
important decisions in your life. As a loving parent,* Do caregivers and children wash their hands before
you need to take a few extra days to researcheating?
daycares to find the one that fits you and your child.* Do the caregivers wash hands after changing
Supervisiondiapers? Do the caregivers wash their hands after
* What is the child per caregiver ratio?restroom use?
* How many children are in the daycare?* Is there a place where diapers are changed?
* How many caregivers do they have?* Do the caregivers always keep a hand on child
* Are the children supervised during the whole daywhile changing diapers?
(restrooms, sleep time, getting drinks, and the like)?Playgrounds
Director Qualifications* How often are your playgrounds inspected for
* Does the Director have a bachelor's degree in asafety?
child related field?* Is there a fence surrounding the playground?
* What is the Director's experience with children?Emergency Plans
Teacher Qualifications* Does the daycare have an emergency plan?
* Are the caregivers required to have certification in* Do you have information on who to contact in an
a child related field?emergency?
* How long has the caregiver worked with children?Fire Drills
* Do you offer classes for your caregivers'?* Does the daycare have plan for weather issues?
MedicationsToxic Substances
* Who dispenses the medication to the children?* Are there cleaning supplies and pest killers kept
* Does the daycare keep all medication out of theaway from children?
reach of children?* Where is your poison control information posted?
* Are all caregivers trained on how to read labels andChild Abuse
dispense medication?* Are caregivers seen at all times by others?
* What documents do you need for prescriptions* Have all your caregivers had a background check?
and other medications to be dispensed?* What are the steps you use to report child abuse?
ImmunizationsYou may want to visit the daycare several times to
* Are the children in your daycare up-to-date on allmake sure all your questions have been answered.
their immunizations?Keep in mind your ultimate job is to keep your
* Do you have records to prove that they arechildren safe and healthy.
up-to-date on their immunizations?