- Ask the director of the day care center about the center's credentials. Verify that the day care is licensed and current on all of its licensing requirements. Ask about the qualifications of the staff members. They should all have basic first aid and CPR training, as well as specialized training in the area of child care. Experience in child development is also beneficial for day care employees.
- Ask for a copy of the day care center's policies. Gain a clear understanding of the policies and procedures to which the center abides. You should feel comfortable with all of the policies and procedures of the center. Also review the policies that you are obligated to follow as a day care parent. The center will likely have policies on the drop-off procedure, sick child guidelines and payment procedures.
- A day care center should have an established discipline procedure for all staff members to follow. Ask about the details of the discipline plan. Make sure you understand how different situations are handled. Ask about particular situations about which you have concerns, such as how biting or hitting is handled. Verify the day care center's view complements your own view of discipline.
- Ask about the safety precautions the day care center takes with the children. Verify that all staff members are first aid and CPR trained and that the trainings are kept current. Ask if the center is routinely inspected for safety issues. Verify that the staff members have an emergency plan in action for potentially dangerous situations. Inquire about the presence, handling and storage of dangerous chemicals and other safety hazards.
- High-quality day care centers follow a planned curriculum that offers a balance of activities. Ask about the typical schedule for your child's room. Consider the types of activities that are important for your child's growth. Physical activity, rest time, literature activities and developmentally appropriate educational activities should have a priority on the typical day care schedule. Ask if videos or television shows are watched in the rooms. Inquire about field trips and how they are handled. Ensure that you feel comfortable with the activities that are offered for children at the day care center.
- Verify that parents are allowed to stop in the day care center unannounced. A day care center that restricts parental access should cause you to dig deeper to find the reasoning for the restrictions. Ask if parents are allowed to participate in the classrooms if desired.
