Having a child is a massive responsibility, and balancing all aspects of parenthood can be a challenge without proper support. Deciding that daycare is the best path forward for your family is a significant decision, and one that requires thorough research and diligence.
Visiting your local options can give you an insight into what your young one’s daily routine would look like, while also providing you with the opportunity to get answers to your questions.
If you’re unsure of what to ask, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading for a list of the top questions to ask when touring a daycare in Chicago.
Staffing and safety
When touring a daycare facility, look for signs of a well-trained and professional staff that provides a warm and inclusive learning environment tailored to each child, as well as a facility equipped with features that promote safety. You can also ask these questions for clarity and peace of mind:
1. Is the daycare center licensed?
A licensed daycare center can provide tangible proof of its commitment to excellence in learning, security, safety, and staff. You can trust that your little one is in good hands due to the safety standards required to be licensed.
2. What is the child-to-caregiver ratio?
A daycare in Chicago with a smaller ratio can allow your child to get more one-on-one attention in an educational and social setting, leading to more substantial growth and development. You can also ask about CPR-qualified staff members and pediatric first aid.
3. What qualifications and training do the staff have?
This insight can help you find a daycare in Chicago with certifiably qualified staff.
4. What is the staff turnover rate?
A low staff turnover rate indicates that a daycare center has a welcoming and positive environment where educators and staff want to stay. Look for daycare options with a low turnover rate to provide your young ones with a stable learning environment.
5. Are the children always supervised?
Educator supervision provides parents with peace of mind after dropping their children off. Ask if the supervision extends to periods of outdoor play and naps.
6. What safety drills are practiced?
A daycare that practices safety drills is committed to your young one’s health and wellness. Ask about fire drills, lockdown drills, and other emergency response plans during your tour.
7. What is the emergency response plan for a sick child?
Illness happens, especially with young children. The emergency response plan provides clarity on what you can expect for your child and yourself.
8. What security measures are in place?
Parents want to provide their children with a safe environment in which to learn and grow away from home. When touring the daycare facility, ask about the safety measures the staff has installed and invested in. It’s also beneficial to learn more about the visitation policy for parents.
Daily Routine and Activities
When you drop your young one off at a daycare in Chicago, much of their learning and growth will occur through daily activities and an established routine. Here’s a list of questions you can ask to get an overview of what a day in the life at the daycare center looks like.
9. What is the daily schedule?
Getting answers about the daily schedule can give parents a bird’s-eye view of what their child’s learning experience will look like. You can also ask about flexibility within the daily schedule.
10. What activities will pupils participate in?
The activities a child participates in can enhance motor and social skills, providing the building blocks for mental and emotional growth. Ask about the program’s curriculum, enrichment programs, and activities offered at the daycare.
11. Do students get time for outdoor play?
Outdoor play can help your child stay active and enjoy time in green spaces. You can ask about the average amount of time per week that students play outside, as well as the daycare’s cold-weather policy for outdoor playtime.
12. How does the daycare handle behavioral issues and discipline?
Finding a daycare that aligns with your family’s approach to discipline is essential to reinforce the work you’ve done at home. Get more information about how the daycare’s staff handles behavioral issues and their approach to disciplining children.
Health and Hygiene
It doesn’t take much for illness to spread through a daycare’s student population and staff. Asking questions can help you learn about a daycare’s health and hygiene protocols, like:
13. What is the sick policy?
Ask the tour guide about the daycare’s sick policy to protect your child and others in their class.
14. How is medication administered?
A trained staff should have an established protocol for administering and documenting medication for child safety.
15. What hygiene practices are in place?
Caregivers should be washing their hands before feeding and after changing diapers. You can also ask about the frequency of disinfecting high-touch areas in the facility.
Nutrition
Food plays a vital role in powering young bodies and minds to get the most from each day. Make sure you’re asking about:
16. Are meals and snacks provided?
Determine if the daycare offers snacks and meals throughout the day. You should also inquire about the nutritional value of these food items to promote your child’s well-being.
17. Do you have a menu available?
Asking for a menu can give you a better idea of what your child will eat each day.
18. How do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Food allergies and dietary restrictions are serious medical situations. Be sure to ask about the steps the daycare’s staff takes to eliminate risk for a safe and healthy meal.
Parent Communication and Involvement
The best daycares in the 60618 area want parents to be informed and involved. To ensure you’re staying connected, ask questions like:
19. How will the staff communicate with parents?
Receiving daily sheets about your child’s activities can provide you with valuable insight into how they are learning and developing. Ask about how the staff will share such information with parents.
20. What level of parental involvement is encouraged?
Determine whether the daycare encourages parental visits and when parents are advised to visit.
Cost and Logistics
Make sure you understand the cost and logistics involved with enrolling your child in daycare by asking:
21. What supplies are provided?
Talking with the daycare’s educators during your tour can shed light on the supplies it provides. Be sure to ask about essentials like diapers and wipes.
22. What are the fees, and when are they due?
Getting clarity on the tuition fees, when they are due, and what they cover can help you make the right decision for your family and your child’s future.
Asking the above questions should give you a good idea of the values and priorities of the daycare center, and whether it is in alignment with your child’s needs as well as your own.