Trusting someone else to care for your child can be scary for many parents! When you’re choosing a childcare facility, it’s so important that you feel confident and comfortable leaving your child in their care.

We’ve listed questions you can ask your childcare facility about the staff, facility, and program that will help you determine the best fit for your family.

 

Faculty & Staff

 

Are they a licensed provider?

Your childcare facility isn’t just another babysitter! It’s important to know that you’re leaving your child with a team of professionals that are licensed and equipped to care for and nurture your child.

Each state has its own set of regulations and requirements for childcare facilities. Learn all about Indiana’s requirements and the levels of quality here.

 

What are the standard staff requirements?

You want to feel comfortable knowing that your child is being cared for by someone who has the proper training, education, and screening.

Whether you’re looking for a structured day care or one with free play time, you want to feel comfortable knowing you’re leaving your child with someone you can trust! Here are a few questions to ask in regards to the faculty and staff:

• Does the staff have any formal education or certification in education or child care?
• Have the staff been given a thorough background check?
• Is staff required to be up-to-date with all state mandated vaccinations?

Remember: What makes you comfortable will vary based on your parenting style, so it’s okay to ask questions!

 

What’s the caregiver-to-child ratio?

The demand for quality childcare is high, and with spaces filling up quickly, it can be difficult to find a childcare facility with availability.

Most childcare rooms are kept small for a very good reason. There needs to be the correct ratio of children to adults to ensure everyone is cared for and nothing goes under the radar. For example, if your child is under one year old and not yet walking, the caregiver-to-child ratio is two adults per eight children.

In the state of Indiana, the caregiver-to-child ratio is dependent on age and development. Learn more about Indiana’s childcare requirements here.

 

How often will you receive updates?

Communication is so important to the care and development of your child. Before you make any decisions, one of the most important questions to ask before choosing a childcare facility is how they will communicate with you.

Many childcare facilities have apps that will keep you updated with how your child is doing—while others will give you verbal updates at drop off and pick up. Keeping up-to-date on your child’s needs and learning how you can communicate with their care team will give you the peace of mind—especially if you’re a first-time parent.

 

Facility

 

Are rooms divided by age groups?

It’s important to understand if children will be split based on their age and development. This is because the needs of a six month old are very different from the needs of a 5 year old.

 

Are children required to be up-to-date on immunizations?

Ask about immunization requirements because kids are germ factories! Even the most hardy children will likely bring home a bug or two from daycare.

Many childcare facilities will hold a copy of your child’s immunizations on file and may require all children to have specific vaccinations. It’s important you ask about not only the provider’s vaccination policy, but also how they enforce it.

 

Are meals and snacks provided?

Nutrition is so important to your child’s development. Whether your child is breastfed, bottle fed, eating solids, or any combination, you need to know what to provide and what is provided at your childcare facility.

Many childcare facilities will provide meals for children eating solid foods, but it’s important to communicate your child’s needs. If your child has allergies or specific dietary requirements based on their medical, religious, or personal needs, you may need to provide alternative meal options other than those provided at the childcare facility.

 

How does the facility handle injury or sickness?

Kids are courageous and often get small cuts, scrapes, and bruises. It’s important to communicate what your expectations are if an injury should occur. For example, would you like to be notified with any injury big or small, or only be contacted for more serious injuries?

It’s equally important to understand how they handle a child getting sick or what they consider being “sick.”

 

Childcare Program

 

What’s the daily schedule like?

Whether you’re looking for a program with a very structured schedule or one with all-day play, there’s a childcare facility perfect for your child and their needs! 

Here are some topics to consider when thinking about your child’s daily schedule:

• Time outside
• Educational curriculum
• Screen time
• Meals and snacks

Determine what services you want in a provider and work to find one that fits your child’s unique needs.

 

What’s their approach to discipline?

How you disciple—or correct—your child’s behavior differs from family to family and child to child. Being comfortable with how carers will discipline your child is important. Here are a questions to ask:

• Does discipline change as the child ages and develops? 
• Are time-outs used, and if so, what does that look like? 
• When an unwanted behavior continues, are punishments or consequences used?
  

How does the facility handle nap time?

Sleep is critical to the growth and development of every child. But with multiple children with varying needs, your childcare facility may handle nap time differently than you do at home. Be sure to understand how the facility’s nap routine may impact your after-care hours.

 

What do you need to provide for your child?

Your child is unique and has a preference on the products you use. Many facilities will provide child-safe toys, beds/cribs/cots, crafts, and solid food meals, but anything specific for your child’s needs may not be provided. Here are some items that you may need to provide:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Lotion
• Two to three extra outfits
• Pacifier
• Breast milk or formula
• Medication
• Food based on their medical, religious, or personal needs

Your childcare facility is there to care for your child, but with dozens of children with varying needs, you may need to provide specific items.

 

Choosing the right childcare facility for your child doesn’t have to be scary! Make a list of questions to ask before choosing a childcare facility and look for answers that match your expectations and family’s needs. With the right questions, you can feel confident and comfortable knowing your child is having fun, learning, and safe.

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