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Parents, before you begin crisscrossing town visiting day care centers in search of quality care for your infant, toddler or preschooler, pick up the phone and ask potential child care providers these basic questions first.
What are the ages of the children at the center? Will your child be exclusively with children his own age or will he get the chance to interact with children who are a bit older or younger.
What hours are they open?
Many centers apply a steep fee for late pick-ups. Look for a center which can accommodate your schedule within its regular hours of operation.
What is the cost of care?
If the answer to this question seems beyond your reach, don't hang up immediately. Ask about scholarship slots for needy families. Ask about local or state programs to subsidize child care.
What is the ratio of adults to children?
Obviously, the more adults in your child's group, the more attention he will get. Find out what the state requires. Does this center simply meet the requirements or does it exceed them?
What are the qualifications of the teachers who will care for your child and how long have they been working in this setting?
Children thrive on consistency. If the center needs a revolving door to accommodate its staff turnover, it might not be the best place for your child.
What will my child need to bring each day? lunch, snacks, diapers etc.
Consider these extras when comparing tuition costs.
Is there a place to play outdoors? If not, are the children taken to nearby parks? How do they get there? Some centers use a wagon or buggy, others walk the children as they hold onto a long rope with a teacher at either end. Some groups just hold hands with a friend as they walk.
What do the children do for exercise on rainy, snowy or very hot days? Is there an indoor area where children can run, jump and climb?
How does the staff communicate with parents about the child's day. Is it simply by exchanging a few words at pick-up or drop-off or is there a more formalized method like daily journals or weekly progress notes?
The answers to these questions will help you determine whether to cross this provider off your list or to take the next step in the selection process and go visit the center in person.
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