- Madhurima Majumder
Is it the Right Daycare?
Is it the Right Daycare???????? Big Big Question----
Parents have a lot of dilemma while choosing the Right Daycare. This is one of the important decisions of their life. There is no actual definition of a “Right Daycare”, whatever suits the parents is the “Right Daycare”. For some parents it can be the long extended hours, for others it can be the variety of food.
I have prepared a Checklist from the Facility Representative-
· In India, Government still doesn’t have any strict rules for Daycare. But checking its past records, we can get some clarity. They should have a clearance from the society.
· Can I visit the center during operating hours before registering my child in the daycare program?
· Can I see the daycare and all the areas which my child will use?
· Once my child is registered, will I be able to visit at any time?
· Is there a written daily schedule that includes outdoor play, indoor play, quite time, sleeping time, snacks and meals? Do u mention the quantity also?
· Will you be providing a Monthly Meal Plan?
· Are there regular opportunities for taking them for field trips?
· Is TV viewing allowed?
· Does the center offer parenting classes ?
· Is each child assigned to one Caregiver / Nanny who is primarily responsible for his / her care?
· Does the Nanny meet with parents regularly?
· Does anybody smoke in the premises?
· Are there written policies for the care of ill children? Do you keep a child if he/she has fever?
· Will the caregivers give prescribed medication to my child?
· Do you have a pediatrician or a nurse on call in case of emergency?
· Do staff members have training in child development and in providing a loving and fun filled environment for children?
· Have staff members received a training on first-aid and CPR training?
· How long have the caregivers been working here?
· Are there arrangements if a Nanny gets sick or has to be away?
· May I get recommendations from parents whose children are currently in the program?
Questions to Ask Yourself

Consider the following questions when you visit the facility:
· Are there enough adult caregivers present at all times? Do these caregivers have a warm, responsive relationship with the children?
· Does the staff appear to enjoy caring for the children, and do the children appear to be happy?
· Is the facility bright, cheerful, and well ventilated? Is all equipment clean, safe, and well maintained?
· Is the noise level comfortable? Is the daycare located on the main road, off the main road, etc.
· Does there appear to be enough indoor space for the number of children present? (A clear area measuring 35 square feet per child is ideal. The numbers can vary).
· Is there a quiet area large enough for all children during nap time?
· Does each child have his own cot, crib, or mat to sleep on, and is there enough space between each of these?
· Are the toilets and sinks clean and easy for children to reach? Do children have their own clean towels? Liquid soap and toilet paper can be shared.
· Is there a clean diaper-changing area?
· Does each child have a small space in the cupboard to keep her own belongings?
· Are infants always fed sitting up, with an adult present during meals and snacks?
· Is all the food nutritious, prepared fresh and served warm? Can we parents taste the food on any day?
· Are there enough age-appropriate toys available?
· Is there an outdoor play area that's free of sharp edges, pinch points, sharp rocks, and drains?
· Is the playground equipment age appropriate, properly installed and well maintained?
· Is there impact-absorbing material such as wood chips, rubber mats or loosely packed sand in areas where children might fall?
· Do adults always supervise outdoor play?
· Is your first reaction to the program that it would be a good, loving, and safe haven for your child?
Now u can think and finalize the Daycare of your choice according to your need specifications.