| Today's reality is that most families, both parents are | | | | Do they receive training and how often, what is the |
| working. Sooner or later, mom will return to work, | | | | average seniority of the staff members? Many new |
| which means you'll have to find someone to take care | | | | workers might indicate they have a high turnover and |
| of your child while working. Some are lucky enough to | | | | you're baby might be handed to a new caregiver |
| have grandparents who don't mind looking after the | | | | regularly. |
| baby but often this is not possible. One of the other | | | | Ask about their sick policy. When should you keep |
| options is to bring the baby to a day care facility. We'll | | | | your child at home? Also, how do they treat any |
| give you some pointers on picking a trustworthy facility. | | | | medical issue that might appear, a child running a high |
| Most of the reputable facilities will have waiting lists. | | | | fever, for example? Is any of the staff trained for |
| Often you'll want to enroll well before the baby is born | | | | baby and Child CPR? |
| to make sure that your child will be in a day care | | | | But also don't forget the practical matters like the |
| facility of your choice. | | | | opening hours of the facility? You'll need to find a day |
| Take your time to visit the facility before enrolling and | | | | care center that supports your working hours. Check if |
| ask many questions like whether or not the facility is | | | | they charge any fees for early drop-offs or late |
| licensed, the size of the staff, the caregiver to child | | | | pickups so that you're well aware of this, should your |
| ratio,... also does the place look clean to you, do the | | | | job require it. Check if you have to provide diapers and |
| children look clean, are crying infants tended to | | | | swipes or if they are included in the monthly price. |
| promptly, do the older children look content? | | | | Day care facilities are expense, but a high price is not |
| Also ask questions about staff: Are staff members | | | | always a guarantee for high-quality. So don't enroll |
| screened both caregivers and maintenance workers? | | | | your child, unless you have a good feeling about it. |