Daycare Advice 🤗

I personally only signed up for one daycare in my area and just waited till it was available (but I had that ability to stay home until we secured care). We kinda already vetted the place through online and talking to others who go there. Once we were accepted we did 2 walk throughs and just asked general questions, also I brought my son both times to see how he interacted etc. Think about anything that may affect your child. Picky eating, sleeping, temperament etc. I would ask what days look like, number of children, where they sleep/how that works, how they handle conflict.

How much experience does child worker have?? I kept getting phone calls because they didn’t have any idea I’m self employed so it got really annoying I always made sure it was clean, always ask the workers names so if something goes wrong I know their names! make sure they have kindy app/ something like so you can get on and see what child is up too! it takes the pressure off

Biggest piece of advice: go to your states social service website before signing anything. Every daycare that is registered legally has to document ANY instance they’ve had and you’re going to want to know to keep your babe safe. There are good lists online of what to ask and I went off those. I’d also try to get recommendations from people in your area. Parents who love their daycare and who suggest it is so important and how I found mine. It was through my company’s parent slack channel. I’d never have found it on google as they are a smaller center and don’t pay as much for advertising. But for real- be weary of the big box places and trust your gut. I felt a “vibe” when I stepped inside them and I am so glad I trusted my instinct to go with a family run center. I don’t trust home daycares so there will be pros and cons to everything.

If it’s an in home daycare you can ask for references. I’d also ask what days off they are giving themselves and/or what PTO they might take if it’s in home. Standard daycares are closed most holidays but my in home daycare closes holidays and she gives herself two weeks PTO that we just plan around. But I know not everyone can plan around that kind of thing if their work gives schedules short notice

Wow these are great questions