Questions to Ask a Day Care Center

When Choosing Childcare, Safety is One Factor to Consider

Jan 25, 2008

Playground Equipment Should Be Safe and Secure., photo by Ladyheart,www.morguefile.com

Taking time to ask questions and find out about the policies of the day care center will help you make the right decision.

Choosing the right day care center can be a daunting task. You want to make sure your child is well cared for and that the center and staff will be attentive to your child’s needs. There are a number of things you can look for during a visit. Be sure to keep a notebook with you to jot down observations and responses to questions.

This list provides some basic questions. Add questions based on your specific situation to the list.

Day Care Center Information

Is the center licensed? Is the license prominently displayed?
Are there separate rooms for younger and older children. This helps to keep the spread of infection down and also provides a place for older children to play and younger children to nap without as many disturbances.
What is the ratio of staff members to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one staff member for every 3-5 younger children and one staff member for every 7-10 older children.
How does the center handle discipline? Are their policies in writing and is every parent given a copy of these policies? Can you receive a copy?
Are signatures and identity checks required for anyone picking up the children?

Day Care Staff

Are all staffed trained and certified in first aid?
What are the educational requirements for the staff? Have they received training in child development, safety and prevention of injuries and preventing the spread of illnesses?
What additional training does the center provide for staff? For example, do they hold workshops or training classes from time to time?
Are the staff mandated to washing hands after changing a diaper and before and after meal and snack time?

Medical Situations

If your child needs medication, either on a regular basis or may need medication for a illness, how is the medication given? Is there a nurse on staff or is medication given by the teachers?
Is there a separate room for children that are not feeling well? What are the center’s policies on keeping children home when sick? Do they enforce these policies? If so, how are the policies enforced?
Are vaccinations required of all children attending the center? Do they have all vaccination records on file?
How are medical emergencies handled? What happens if your child becomes ill during the day once you have left? Who will watch your child until you can arrive?

Playground Information

Is the playground enclosed so that children are protected from strangers and prevented from walking off the premises?
Is there an impact-absorbing material under swings, slides and other playground equipment?
Are younger children able to climb on the slide or are there protective guards to be sure young children do not climb on high structures?

Safety Measures

Are all electric outlets covered?
Are toys cleaned with a disinfectant each day?
Are children and staff taught to wash hands often?
Does the furniture have sharp corners which could be dangerous?
Do they perform fire drills once a month?
Are smoke alarms installed throughout the center?
Are there safety gates to keep younger children in the proper (and safe) areas of the center?
Are poison control and emergency numbers listed prominently in every room?

Once you have visited a few day care centers, you will be able to compare the answers to these questions. This should help you to narrow down your choices to a few centers. You can then follow up with an unannounced visit to see how the staff reacts to parents popping in during the day.