Do they send kids home with any sort of sniffle or is fever a requirement? Or, are they extremely lax in letting sick kids remain, creating an exposure risk to otherwise healthy kids? Parents should also find out what care options exist when a child care provider becomes ill. Some facilities offer a break if a child has an extended illness, and others offer a certain number of days as credit to be used toward vacation, illness or other types of absence. This detail should be stated in writing to parents, so be sure to look for it. Not only do you want to find out what they do, but you also want to clearly understand what type of practices are prohibited. If you have a particular concern, ask to meet with the center’s director or have a one-on-one with a provider. Any food sensitivities must be stated and clearly understood (such as allergies). After that, ask what the stance is on occasional treats, junk food, and food preparation. After all, your lateness prevents staff from going home and on to their planned activities. Some facilities may even have firm rules for tardy parents in which they can choose to cease care. You want to know what the frequency of staff changes because it can affect your child’s comfort and sense of security if changes are too frequent. And high turnover can signal a serious problem in the center’s operation. What types of enrichment activities are done and how will parents be informed of these? Do kids all do everything or is there a way for youngsters to choose their interests? Does the provider offer stations of choice? Is there a schedule that is adhered to each day? Is the facility well-ventilated, well-lit and a comfortable temperature? Are toys sanitized on a regular basis? Are there camera monitors? Is the outdoor play equipment installed correctly? Do you feel welcome to come and go at any time or are there regimented visiting times only? Some programs may want to limit access because it can cause a disruption to learning time; others embrace parental interaction at any time.
