Birdwatching Tours

So here are some very important things to know when looking for a provider. First off, never rely on just an internet review board. Review boards are great for one thing only. And that is finding a provider in your area. Review boards can easily be manipulated, for example, one provider we found had entered her own reviews. I see hundreds of parents a day going to these review boards, thinking that the reviews written are by parents happy with the providers care. This is not always the case.

Secondly, you should do an in depth tour of the establishment. I’m sure you have heard the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Well that does NOT apply here. Make sure you pay close attention to the entire establishment. Do not just tour the areas your child will be in. If you called in advance to schedule a tour, they could be prepared for you in that area. So I suggest you tour all rooms in the establishment.

Thirdly, always provide your own bedding for your child. This reduces risks of the provider using the wrong type of bedding. Over sized and lose bedding are a suffocation hazard.

Here are some important questions to ask to help avoid dangers at daycare. Unlike most “experts”, I will provide you with the reason the question is important and what each answer means to you.

Are you licensed with the state and if so is your license current?

• This is critically important, licensing with the state means that the providers are subject to visits by the health department. Although the health department does not evaluate the quality of care, they do evaluate them for sanitation and safety compliance. Some states however, have very relaxed regulations. To find out call your local health department. They may also have a list of providers that have recently failed an inspection. o Yes- means they are taking state required measures to provide your child with quality sanitation and safety standards. o No-means they cannot get a license due to a criminal record (depending on state requirements) or they just don’t feel the need to. What ever the reason is WALK away from this type of provider. Do you subject your staff to a background check? • This question is directed to the daycare center. A home provider has to have a background check the day they apply for their license. Where as in a daycare center only the individual that applied for the license has to have a background check conducted. Some states do have various requirements for additional staffing though, so make sure you know your states requirements. I would also call your state authorities to make sure they conducted a background check on the owner of the license. o Yes- means they are following state standards (if required by your state) and are providing the best quality teachers for you child. o No- could mean lots of things. For one they may not be required to by the state or they do not feel it’s necessary. They could be potentially hiring unqualified staff that could put your child in danger. I would be cautious no matter what the reason is.

Are you and/or staff first aid certified? • I have found that all legitimately licensed daycare providers are first aid certified or have a certain percentage of teachers first aid certified. Your state depending on their strictness will require at least all head teachers to be first aid certified. Make sure you check your states requirements for first aid training, all states vary in their regulations. o Yes-means they are following state standards (if set by your state) and have the welfare of your child in their best interest. o No-means they may not be required to (depending on your state). Regardless this shows they may not have the welfare of your child in their best interest. Be cautious.

Be sure your provider is in compliance with your state and federal regulations. Do not by any means assume that your provider is following those regulations. For you providers out there that are following all state and federal regulations I applaud you and thank you for taking our children’s lives and welfare seriously.

ResourceDangeratdaycare.com