The Not-So-Obvious Important Child Care Questions To Ask
Did you recently schedule your first child care center interview and tour? You're ready to visit your baby's potential future daycare. But you're not sure what to ask during your visit. Even though the curriculum, general care, and teacher qualifications questions are popular picks for most parents, consider a few other (less obvious) issues to include.
Does the Center Have A Handbook or Take-Home Materials?
It's unlikely that you will remember everything the director or early childhood educator tells you during the tour. From sick policies to the classroom adult-to-child ratio, you will want to compare each part of this center's program to the other daycares you plan to visit.
Instead of rushing to write everything down as you walk through the building or talk to each teacher, ask for a school manual or other similar materials. Some centers may not have a formal manual. If the program doesn't provide a booklet or printed pages on the rules, regulations, curriculum, and more, ask if you can find this information online on the center's website.
How Will the Teacher Share Daily Details With You?
Your child can tell you when they ate, when they napped, and what they did in daycare. But the teacher can—and should. Ask the director how the educators share daily details and other important information with parents. This could include a verbal recap of the day, a written note, or an email.
Is There A Weekly or Monthly Calendar?
Even though daily details provide basic information about your child's day, this type of communication is specific to your child and only for your family. Along with these details, you will also need to know more about the general center calendar and what to expect in the days and weeks to come. A weekly or monthly calendar may include classroom lesson plans, center closure dates (for holidays or in-service days), program-wide events, and other special activities.
What Are the Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures?
This question should include a few different points. You may want to know whether drop-off and pick-up are completely flexible (any time during the day), have a set window, or are precise.
Along with the times or time-frames, you will also need information on the rules, regulations, or procedures. Can you go into the classroom—or do you need to drop your kiddo off at the front door? Who can sign your child in or out? Will you need to show identification to pick your child up from the center? You may also want to ask the director how the staff handles difficult drop-offs and separation anxiety.
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