Childcare has been the most complicated, or shall I say worst thing about Motherhood for me! My family being a 2-hr drive away is nice for visits, but doesn’t lend itself to helping with last minute emergencies or just plain babysitting. We have tried a combination of solutions and have learned a few things along the way … perhaps you can shorten your learning curve from our journey!

Things to consider when choosing a Daycare
(I’m already ASSuming you are at a licensed, reputable center where staff is
First Aid & CPR certified and the building meets State safety requirements)

Food - This and sleep being over looked are my #1 pet peeve and biggest concerns for Ivan thus far. Their little brains are growing so much and in such a short amount of time that what they eat and how frequently on top of rest is imperative.

Do they allow and encourage you to bring in breast milk? If so, how do they store it and warm it?
How are dietary restrictions handled? Tree nut policy? Luckily we don’t have any tree nut allergies! This one gets me though – Our current school doesn’t allow tree nuts of any kind for safety, and this definitely limits healthy fat sources I can provide Ivan with, that he would actually eat at school.
Do they wash hands before eating?

Sleep - I already explained my view on sleep! Lucky for me, I also have a great napper!!

Do they have quiet/dark sleeping area?
What’s the sleeping schedule & policy? Can babies sleep on their schedule, or does the room have its schedule? When Ivan was under 1 year, the room he was in napped 2x a day, which was the schedule he was already on. They also would accommodate additional sleeping needs if needed.
Does each child have the same crib the whole week, or do they share?
Who provides and cleans bedding?
Do they play music or use a sound machine? Ivan’s daycare used a sound machine – same one that was in the stuffed bear at Buy Buy Baby, so we replicated that at home. He now sleeps with a sound machine at home, and seems to sleep better and maybe even longer when it’s on.

Happiness

Upon entering and during your visit, do the employees seem friendly and happy?
Do the babies/kids look happy?
Are the teachers interacting with small children on the floor/at their level?

Diapering & Toilet training – We went from in home sitters --> daycare --> in home sitter --> to stay-at-home Mom at the time Ivan was ready to begin potty training. We were also noticing that he needed the social interaction daycare provides, so enrolled him for a few hours 3 days a week. Once I realized they were on a potty training mission, we began M-F in the mornings. All they did was pee every 20-30 min. The teacher had a clip board and she was on a mission to potty train the room and SHE DID! It was amazing and potty training went so much more smoothly than I was expecting. Because everyone was doing it, it was Ivan’s idea, ‘hey, this is fun to stand and pee’ … getting #2 into the toilet was a different story ;)

How frequently do they change diapers?
Do they toilet/potty train? If so, How & When?
What is the cleaning & handwashing policy around all potty and diaper activities?

Space

Do the babies have room to crawl and move around?
Is there outdoor playtime and/or walks?
Do things have a place, is the room organized?
Are there hard & soft surfaces for babies/toddlers with variety of textures?

Communication - I linger … Linger at drop off, linger at pick up and observe. Having a flexible schedule lends itself to this behavior. I have found if I spend 5-10 min a day in the room, I can get a sense of what is going on. How the kids and teacher interact and send the message loud and clear, I’m here – watching!

Does the school have an open-door policy? We’ve been to a school that requires an appointment to observe, while all others allow you to come in as frequently as you’d like. Ivan’s current Pre-K school has 2-way mirrors on the classroom doors, so you can watch without disrupting.
What does the daily check list look like? It should include times of feedings, diapering’s, mood, activities, times of naps and if there is anything you need to bring, such as diapers.
Respect is taught by showing respect – Does staff uses children’s names when communicating?
How do they show respect other cultures, etc.?
Do they send daily pictures? A friend’s program sends her text messages with photo’s during the day, and another friends school has an app that they post updates and photos of during the day.

Learning & Development – Make sure programs include opportunities for physical, intellectual, problem-solving and communication skill-building.

Are toys age appropriate and easy to get to and organized?
How often are the switched out for variety?
Do they do art projects?
What sensory activities do they do? (Water play, playdough, packing bubbles, etc.)
You are looking for a balance of daily activities (these should be included on your daily report)
Do they encourage exploration & problem solving, how?
Do they give children choices of activities?
Do they read to children? Are books available? They should be even in infant and toddler rooms
Music and singing?

Conflict & Discipline – Ask the teacher (and person giving you the tour):

How conflicts are resolved in the classroom, such as toddlers fighting over a toy? "MINE" is very popular in the toddler room!
Do they do time-outs?
How do they handle hitting?
How do they handle a child that is excessively crying?

Cleanliness – Use your eyes & nose! Check out the restroom that’s available for you while there!

What is diapering table cleaning policy?
How frequently are the toys/room cleaned?
Hand washing policy – I like everyone, teachers and students, to wash hands upon entering the room!
Do they have a special protocol if there is an outbreak such as pink eye, hand-foot-mouth disease, or someone throws up? State law requires them to post a notice if/when a contagious outbreak happens. And they will!

Staff – Make sure to meet and observe the classroom head teacher on your visit. How long have they been there? How is turnover?

Current credentials? How do they remain current about childcare/child development and how this adds to the center
Do they come across as being passionate about working with kids?

Sick policy

Will they administer medicine if needed?
What is the sick policy, when do they have to go home?

Location - How close to your home/work?

I definitely recommend spending as much time as possible at the daycare you are considering. Do they have a Facebook page? If so, check out the reviews, and even reach out to other parents that seem to be active on the FB page!

ITEMS YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEAVE AT DAYCARE

Any medication & sunscreen (gas drops, diaper cream, etc.)
Diapers & Wipes
Naptime blanket (bedding sheets)
Change(s) of clothes
Hat

ITEMS YOU LIKELY BRING DAILY

Breast milk/formula
Pacifier(s)