Enrolling your child in daycare for the first time and there are many questions to ask a daycare and considerations to keep in mind. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important questions you should ask a daycare before enrolling your child.
Table of Contents
General Questions to Ask a Daycare
What are the staff qualifications?
All staff members working at the daycare should be qualified and have up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification.
What is the daily schedule like?
Most daycares have a set schedule that they follow each day. This schedule should include time for meals, naps, outdoor play, and learning activities.
What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
This is one of the most important questions when considering a daycare. A lower teacher-to-child ratio means that your child will receive more individualized attention.
How are discipline issues handled?
Knowing how a daycare handles discipline issues before enrolling your child is important. You should feel comfortable with their methods and philosophy.
How are parents kept up-to-date on their child’s progress?
Knowing how a daycare communicates with parents about their child’s progress is important. Most daycares send home a daily or weekly report detailing what your child did that day and any developmental milestones they may have reached.
What is the daycare’s policy on sick days?
All daycares have a sick policy to protect the health of all the children in their care. Be sure to ask about their policy before enrolling your child.
What are the food options?
If your child has dietary restrictions, ask about the daycare’s food options. Most daycares provide healthy meals and snacks for the children in their care.
What are the child-to-staff ratios?
The staff-to-child ratio is an important consideration when choosing a daycare. A lower ratio means that your child will receive more individualized attention.
How often do you communicate with parents?
Knowing how often the daycare communicates with parents about their child’s progress is important. Most daycares send home a daily or weekly report detailing what your child did that day and any developmental milestones they may have reached.
What are the health and safety procedures?
All daycares should have health and safety procedures to protect the children in their care. Be sure to ask about these procedures before enrolling your child.
Do you have any references I can contact?
Asking for references is a great way to get a feel for what other parents think about the daycare. Most daycares will be happy to provide you with a list of references.
What is the average length of time employees stay at the daycare?
The average time employees stay at the daycare can be a good indicator of employee satisfaction. A high turnover rate may indicate that the daycare is not a great workplace.
What are the procedures for drop-off and pick-up?
Be sure to ask about the daycare’s procedures for drop-off and pick-up. You should feel comfortable with their procedures and know what to expect.
Is there a waiting list?
If the daycare has a waiting list, ask about it. This can give you an idea of how popular the daycare is and how long you may have to wait to get your child enrolled.
What are the daycare’s policies on vacations and holidays?
Ask about the daycare’s policies if you plan to take vacations or days off for holidays. Most daycares have policies to accommodate parents who need to take time off.
Is there a contract?
If the daycare requires a contract, be sure to ask about it. This can give you an idea of the daycare’s commitment to its families.
Are there opportunities for social and emotional development?
Asking about opportunities for social and emotional development is important. You should feel comfortable with the daycare’s methods and philosophy.
What are the procedures for handling emergencies?
All daycares should have procedures for handling emergencies. Be sure to ask about these procedures before enrolling your child.
What are the policies regarding late pick-ups and early drop-offs?
Ask about the daycare’s late pick-ups and early drop-off policies. You should know what to expect if you need to use these services.
Are there any extra-curricular activities offered?
Some daycares offer extra-curricular activities, such as sports or music. If you are interested in this, be sure to ask about it.
How often are field trips taken?
If the daycare takes field trips, ask about their frequency. You should feel comfortable with their procedures and know what to expect.
What are your hours of operation?
The daycare’s hours of operation may be an important consideration for you. Be sure to ask about this before enrolling your child.
Is there a parent handbook?
If the daycare has a parent handbook, ask to see it. This can give you an idea of the daycare’s policies and procedures.
What age groups do you serve?
The age groups served by the daycare can be an important consideration. You should make sure that the daycare has experience caring for children of your child’s age.
Do you have any special programs?
Some daycares offer special programs, such as preschool or after-school care. If you are interested in these programs, ask about them.
Do you have a dress code?
Some daycares have dress codes, so ask about this before enrolling your child.
Do you provide transportation to and from school?
Ask about the daycare’s policies if you need transportation to and from school. Some daycares provide this service, while others do not.
Are you licensed and insured?
All daycares should be licensed and insured. Be sure to ask about this before enrolling your child.
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Financial Questions to Ask a Daycare
What does the tuition cost?
Be sure to ask about the tuition cost before enrolling your child. Daycare costs can vary depending on the location, type of facility, and child’s age.
Do you offer discounts?
Some daycares offer discounts for families with multiple children or those who pay in advance. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available.
What is your policy on late payments?
Late payments can result in fees or penalties, so it’s important to ask about the daycare’s policy before enrolling your child.
Is financial aid available?
Some daycares offer financial aid for families who need assistance with tuition. Be sure to ask about this if you think you may need help paying for daycare.
Are there any additional costs?
Be sure to ask about any additional costs, such as registration fees or activity fees. These fees can add up, so it’s important to know about them in advance.
Conclusion
Asking these questions to ask a daycare will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect daycare for your child. When choosing a daycare, it’s important to do your research and ask lots of questions. With this list, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your family.