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

A Home Away From Home

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.