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Finding the right day care center is a worry for many working parents. With so many available options, choosing the right provider can quickly become a difficult and stressful decision. Taking the time to thoroughly research and interview several qualified providers can help you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. Read on to learn some of the most important questions to ask before selecting a Coppell day care center. Scheduling When looking for a new day care center, it is essential to verify that each potential provider can meet your scheduling needs. Consider asking any of the following scheduling questions: • What are your hours? • What happens if you are late picking up your child? • How are holidays and vacations scheduled? • Do you offer emergency drop-in service? Fees and Services After ensuring that a facility can accommodate your scheduling needs, it is important to discuss the fees associated with their various services. Consider asking any of the following financial questions: • What is the daily, weekly, or monthly cost? • How are payments made? • Do you provide any additional services other than day care? • What are the fees associated with those additional services? • Do you charge late fees? Credentials Because the safety and happiness of your child is of the utmost importance, it is essential to verify the credentials of each potential provider. Consider asking any of the following questions about credentials: • Is the day care center licensed and registered with the state? • Do you have any outstanding violations? • Is your program accredited by the NAEYC or the NAFCC? Staffing When selecting a new day care center it is essential to feel comfortable with the employees caring for your child. Consider asking any of the following staffing questions: • How many trained adults do you employ? • What happens if staff members are sick or go on vacation? • Are the children supervised at all times, even while sleeping? • What are your child to staff ratios? • Do your child to staff ratios fall within the state and national standards? • What is your maximum group size per age group? • What is your daily schedule for each age group? • What type of age-appropriate activities are provided? Qualifications and Training When interviewing day care providers, it is important to discuss the training and qualifications of the employees. Consider asking any of the following training questions: • What type of education and training does each employee have? • What type of continuing education does the staff receive each year? • How much experience does each employee have? • How long has each employee worked here? • Is each employee certified in CPR? Policies To ensure that you are selecting the right day care center for both you and your child, it is important to discuss the provider’s policies on a variety of subjects. Consider asking any of the following policy questions: • What is your discipline policy? • What is your transportation policy? • What is your policy on illness and medication use? • What is your nutrition policy? • What is your policy on media and outdoor play? • What is your visiting policy? Communication Before selecting a new Coppell day care provider, it is essential to ensure that both you and your child feel comfortable and happy with the arrangement. Take your child to visit several different centers to ensure that it is a good fit for them. Finally, make sure that you feel comfortable with the level of communication that each day care center provides. Consider asking any of the following communication questions: • How often will I receive feedback on my child? • Can I communicate with my child during the day? • Do you have a list of references that I can contact?
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