Things to Look for in a Daycare Provider
Before entrusting a daycare with your precious child, start by asking friends and family you trust for daycare recommendations. Once you have a few to investigate, make sure that the daycare has been approved with a state daycare license. The license will ensure that the provider underwent a background check and the facility has been investigated. The state will require providers to feed children meals and snacks, but the menu is up to the provider. So ask the provider for a sample week menu. Look for a daycare that provides structured age-appropriate crafts and playtime. Determine how much of the time a television will be on and whether or not the t.v. is used for adult shows, news, or talk shows while children are there. A daycare that cleans toys after children put their mouth on them is desirable. Visit the daycare without your child first and see if the children look happy. Visit with your child as a second interview before deciding.
Ask for the name of parents who also use the particular provider who would be willing to be a reference. Confirm with the reference that all the answers in the interview are the same as the provider.