What should I ask prospective childminders/nurseries?

Eleanor - posted on 01/14/2010

Hello. If it's vetting childminders you have in mind, my sister is looking for work as a childminder and a recent perspective employer asked her to outline the games she would play with the childrend and how she planned to disapline. My sister felt that this type of questioning really gave her a chance to give a good picture of the careing enviroment she wanted to promote. it also gave the parent to discover my sisters thinking on perticular topics without time to think about it. She was also asked to participate in role plan examples. My sister was under presure but I thought dam right she should be. A childminders job is very important you are being trusted with the most presious things in the world. CHILDREN.

Good luck hope this helps.

Karen - posted on 01/13/2010

Thanks ladies. They're gonna wish they never met me lol

Jessica - posted on 01/12/2010

oh and look up your local regulations for providers and facilities. so you know the rules they have to follow and what to expect as well.

Jessica - posted on 01/12/2010

What your child has to bring. What they cannot bring. Do you or they supply nap supplies. How much milk/formula do they want on hand. I see you have a lil one so..How much tummy time. What toys do you have. Look at where she will be sleeping, eating and playing. Look for plugs in outlets. Look for a smoke detector/ CO2 alarm if required where you live. How much help can they provide should your child have issues. Staff ratio. Age ratio. Boy vs Girl ratio. How clean are their carpets. Do they stick older kids infront of the Television, if so, what shows. Religious or not. If so what religion, do all kids have to participate. Will they honor your decision. How well do they know the local school system. Could they help you when the time is right. What are grounds for termination. Is their art? At what age do they involve the child into the activities. Do they bake? How long does circle time (reading, songs,etc) last.

Most importantly observe their personality. Try to make an appointment during the day or at the end so you can see how transitions go through. Ask if you could visit for an hour and see what goes on.

My sister is a private daycare provider in her own home so after my son left her daycare, I knew what to ask and expect.

Hope I gave you some ideas...

Teresa - posted on 01/12/2010

ratio is a good one. Ask about how they deal with disiplening (sorry can't spell it) and what they do if they have a misbehaved child. Meals, what they can and can't have, their qualifications. Do they involve any child psychologist, speech therapists in their daycare. Some daycares offer those. Nap time, pottying, do they do outdoor activities. Are the surrounding safe to your child. what kind of cleaning supplies do they use. Some places may use harsh chemicals that may be harmful to your child. Ask them anything you can think of to keep your child safe and secure. :)

Sarah - posted on 01/12/2010

Hi Karen, I would ask what the ratio of staff is? for example how many staff members are allocated to each child? Children need lots of attention and if the nursery has lots of children to each member of staff, Its not going to give your baby the attention he/she deserves! I hope that this helps.