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2shaye -> RE: Choosing a Daycare (5/30/2008 5:23:39 PM)
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You've received some great advice here! I'll throw my buck in the pot as well!
I've had an in-home daycare for 20.5 years. I love it! I agree that there are pros and cons to in-home vs center. My personal opinion is in-home is preferrable! [:)] Your child will see the same provider every day, all day, therefore developing a close relationship with her. The provider is generally happier, being at home, which will transfer to your child. In my area, in-home care is substantially cheaper. Did you say you'd pay $75/week? I didn't charge that little 20 years ago! I'm almost triple that now!
I agree with the mom who said her kids got sick a lot the first year, but are rarely sick as they've gotten older. I completely 100% agree with this! My own kids have extremely strong immune systems and I contribute that to being exposed to every illness under the sun. Many, many of my kids who I've had as infants are the same way now that they are in school.
I also wanted to give my opinion on a friend or relative watching your baby. Again, this is my experience, but I've been doing this for a very, very long time. I've found that those who take their child to a friend usually end up in some other kind of daycare relatively soon. "Friends" usually have no idea what they are getting into and the commitment involved in taking care of someone else's baby for 9 hours a day, every single day! At first it sounds fun, then when they realize they can't go to the dr, the beach, their own kids classroom to help, it quickly becomes much less fun. I can't tell you how many kids I've had who started with a "friend" that just didn't work out. When you go to an in-home or center, you have more assurance that they'll be there in 3 years by the time you move to pre-school. It can be very traumatic to all involved when you switch providers.
Regarding the questions to ask - I really like what rcorson said in post #18. Also, I'd really go over parenting philosophies to make sure you agree. For example, if you are of the belief that you cannot spoil a baby, you will need to look for a provider that agrees with you. If you are a "demand feeder", look for someone who can do that in a daycare setting. If a napping routine is of high priority to you, then find out about that as well. Conflict in basic parenting philosophy is a horrible thing and usually what causes tension and resentment on BOTH sides.
Find out what the law requires of a provider in your state and know it! When you go to interview, you will easily be able to spot if someone is in violation and question them about it.
When I do an interview, I try to cover a lot over the phone first. I tell the parent how long I've been in daycare and why I'm still doing it. I tell them who lives here and when they are usually home. I tell them about my pets, in case of an allergy, fear, or general unease. I go over my daily routine, letting them know that I *have* a routine. I go over my hours and prices, as well as a brief explanation of my holidays, days off, and sick days. I also tell them that we are a Christian family and their child will participate in meal prayers and general moral disciplines (kindness, gentleness, self-control, etc). If, after they've heard my initial "schpiel", they'd like to come for an interview, I schedule that. During the interview, I introduce them to all the kids in attendance, give them a tour of my house, showing them the child latches on the cabinets, bedroom door handles and electrical sockets. Then we sit down and go over my "packet". My packet includes the following (much is required by law, but my policies are my own):
Cover letter (tells what they can expect from me)
Emergency information form (phone numbers, etc, about them that I may need)
Policies, which cover the following topics:
-hours and consequences of not abiding by them
-policy on releasing children
-food - how, when and what's served
-nap times
-diapers
-toys
-extra clothes
-immunization forms
-sick kids policy
-rates
-payment
-paid holiday schedule
-my vacation time and how it works
-your vacation time and how it works
-discontinuation of child care
-policy changes
Agreement form (which we both sign, stating the intended hours and agreed upon fee schedule)
Medical release form
liability affidavit
notification of parents rights
Background check process
parents responsibilities
criminal process notification
acknowledgement of receipt of licensing reports
most recent licensing report
vacation schedule
After going over all this, I ask if they have any other questions. I try to direct the interview in order to 1)convey that I know what I'm doing, 2)convey that I'm organized, 3)be so transparent that the parent can make an informed decision. Many times the parents will want to commit on the spot. I rarely allow this. I tell them that they NEED to call my references. Unbelievably, most do not.
So that's my buck for ya! It's worth more than $.02 that's for sure! [:D] [:D] Honestly, I hope it's been helpful - at least for you to get an idea or two! Let me know if I can add further clarification or give you more information!
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