Questions to ask when looking for a daycare. (ZT)

cutie

PLAY

What activities with infants or toddlers do you enjoy the most?
What learning activities do you do with young children?
What games do you play?
Do you have a regular schedule? Describe it?
What did you do yesterday?
What toys or equipment do you have for my child? Why did you choose them?
How much time do you spend outdoors? What do you do?
What are the children’s favourite television programs?
Do the children watch television every day? Do you limit the amount they watch?

SAFETY and HEALTH

How have you child-proofed your home for an infant or toddler?
What are your safety rules for indoors/outdoors?
One of my biggest fears is (my child falls, chokes, stops breathing, other).
What would you do if this happened? How could you prevent it from happening?
Under what circumstances would you call me at work?
What would you do if my child became ill suddenly or were injured?
(Describe an emergency situation you have dealt with.)
How do you try to prevent illnesses from spreading?
Are all the children in your care immunized?

NUTRITION

What did you serve for lunch? (today, yesterday) For snacks?
What are the children’s favourite foods?
How do you introduce new foods?
Do you have a menu plan? May I see it?

SLEEP
When and where will my child sleep? (Specify your own expectations.)
Can he sleep when he is tired?
Can he sleep with a favourite toy, stuffed animal, blanket?
How do you settle a child who refuses to sleep? What if nothing works?

EMOTIONAL CARE and CHILD MANAGEMENT

How and when do you toilet train a child?
How do you deal with a child who cries for a long time after his parents have left?
What would you do if a child eats with his fingers? Throws food? Refuses to eat?
How do you handle a child who whines? Bites? Has temper tantrums? Hits you?
How do you encourage children to share? Do things for themselves?
What methods of discipline do you find work best with an infant or toddler?
What kinds of behaviour do you consistently set limits on? What if a child tests limits?
How do you help a child feel good about himself?
Tell me about the other children you care for.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY

What do you like best about caregiving? Least? How do you deal with that?
How does your family support you in caregiving? Tell me about how your
children react to having other children in your home.
Do you get together with other caregivers?
What are your interests or hobbies?
Who else will be in the home while my child is in care? Are they involved with the children? How? When can I meet them?
When do you do your housework?
What are your expectations of parents?

CONCLUSION

Do you have any questions?
May I have the names of two current or former parents as references?
May I have the name of a character reference?