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~policies on comforting babies

~new employee screening

~daily routines in the baby room

~activities in the baby room

~what do they provide?

~what do you provide?

~sick policy

~late policy

~building security

We use a large daycare that is one location in a local corporation with 23 locations in our city. I really love that they are large because it keeps them under state and city government scrutiny. They have a strong training program for their teachers as well.

It would be helpful for you to ask if you can get some time to hang out in the baby room. If you already have your baby, this is easier to do. It will give you a feeling for the teachers and their routines.

Be aware though, when one baby starts wailing, the others sometimes chime in. So if this is going on the first time you walk in-- it can be a little distressing. I see it at our daycare as I keep odd work hours. I will be in the baby room dropping off my daughter and all is peaceful and happy, walk down the hall to drop off my son and when I walk by the baby room, a couple of babies will be waking up from naps and ready for bottles at the same time and it will sound really chaotic. This is usually when people are walking in to see the school for the first time! You do need to spend some time there to get a good feel.

I would look into their hours, schedule through out the day / routines for feeding and nap time, turnover in staff - you don't want a constant string of new people watching your little one, training for the staff such as infant CPR/ background checks. What is the ratio of staff to children? I would find out what they provide vs what I would need to bring such as diapers and wipes.

Ask about their philosophy regarding a crying child? Do they use the "cry-it-out" method?

I would look around - does it appear safe, child proofed, clean?

I would also ask for references and check them.

Good luck!