*Try to set up a first time meeting with them during business hours, if the provider does not allow it because they do not know you yet, you have to respect that. But do make unannounced visits from time to time once your child is in their care.
*Also ask all the basic questions that most parents ask about meal plans, hours, rates, etc. The questions listed to the side are designed to keep your ears and eyes open to an unhealthy and unsafe environment for your child.
* Disclaimer: This site is designated for advice only. Make sure as parents you do your own research and inspections of any daycare on your own.
For Ava Olivia
For Ava Olivia
Questions to ask during a daycare interview
Most of these questions can pertain to a Daycare Center, Group Daycare Home or In-Home Daycare.
- Ask the provider if they are Licensed. Starting July 1st in Kansas, the category of registered will be completely eradicated due to Lexie's Law (please read the link on this new law). Please make sure your provider is going through the necessary steps to become licensed
- Is the providers license posted in an area that parents can see? If not, ask if they have it available for you to read it?
- What is the providers license number? This will help you get access to their provider records.
- Does the provider have Liability Insurance? The State of Kansas does not require a daycare to carry Liability Insurance, so if your child gets hurt on their premises or worse, you will be looking at footing the bill.
- When did the provider last take an infant and toddler CPR class?
- Has the provider taken a safe sleep class?
- Has the provider continued to take continuing education courses and if so, what?
- When was the providers last inspection? Where they cited for any compliance issues, if so what measures did they take to fix the problem?
- What are the providers discipline procedures?
- Does the provider have their own children at home during the day and if so, do they include them in the limit of children they are allowed to care for?
- What is the providers background in childcare?
- Does the provider have a fire evacuation plan? Do they practice with drills?
- Does the provider have a severe weather emergency plan? Do they practice with drills?
- Has the provider had any incidents in the last year, in the last two years, etc?
- When there is a need for the children to be unsupervised i.e. diaper changes, bathroom breaks for the provider, preparing meals, etc; what does the provider do to ensure the children are safe?
- If the provider uses the basement for the daycare, has it been inspected by the fire marshal and did they let the state know on their application that they would be using the basement?
- Has the facility been inspected for dangerous substances (i.e radon, lead, mold, or asbestos)?
- Does the provider have lessons and toys that are appropriate for each age group?
- Who resides in the home?
- Has everyone living in the household had their own background check?
- Is there an emergency plan in place if a child becomes ill or injured?
- Does the provider have a first-aid kit?
- Are emergency numbers posted in a convenient location?
- Has the provider been trained to prevent or recognize signs of child abuse?
- Is the backyard or playground surrounded by a fence?
- Is the backyard or playground inspected often for safety?
- How often are the toys and surroundings sanitized?
- Are there any firearms/weapons in the house? If so, are they safely locked up in a place (gun safe) the children don't have access to?
