Choosing a daycare is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent, and it can feel like a lot. You are not just looking for a building with toys. You are looking for the people who will hold your baby, comfort your toddler and cheer for your preschooler while you are at work.
The good news is that you do not need to be an expert. You just need to know what to look for and what to ask. Here is the list we would hand to a friend.
Start with the basics
Before you fall in love with a place, make sure it fits your real life.
- Hours. Do they cover your work day, including the commute?
- Ages. Can all of your children go to the same place? One drop-off is a gift.
- Location. Is it on your way to work or school?
- Cost. Is the price clear, and do you know what is included?
- Openings. Is there a spot now, or a waitlist?
Ask about licensing and safety
In Idaho, child care centers are licensed by the state. It is always fair to ask a center about its license and its inspections. A good center will be happy to tell you.
Questions worth asking:
- Is every staff member background checked?
- Are teachers certified in CPR and First Aid?
- How many children is each teacher caring for in my child's room?
- How do you make sure only approved adults pick up my child?
- For babies, how do you handle safe sleep? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, with nothing loose in the crib.
Watch the teachers
This is the part no brochure can show you. When you tour, slow down and watch.
- Do teachers get down on the children's level?
- Do they sound warm and patient, even when a room is busy?
- Do the children seem comfortable going to them for help or a hug?
- Does your own child get a hello?
Happy, settled children and calm teachers tell you more than any list of features.
Look at the day, not just the room
Ask what a normal day looks like for your child's age. Little ones do best with a gentle, predictable rhythm: play, meals, learning, time outside and rest.
- Is there time for active play every day, indoors or out?
- What do children eat, and who provides it?
- Where and when do they nap?
- For preschoolers, how is kindergarten readiness part of the day?
Understand what you are paying for
Two daycares with the same monthly price can cost very different amounts once you add everything up. Ask what is included.
- Are diapers and wipes provided, or do you bring them?
- Are meals and snacks included?
- Is preschool part of tuition, or an extra fee?
- What other fees are there, like registration, supplies or late pickup?
- Do they accept the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP)? More families qualify than realize it.
Ask how you will hear about your child's day
You should never have to wonder how the day went. Ask how the center shares updates, photos and notes, and how you can reach a teacher or the office if you have a question.
Trust how it feels
After the tour, ask yourself a few simple things. Did you feel welcome? Were your questions answered plainly? Could you picture your child there? It is perfectly fine to visit twice. A good daycare would much rather you come back with more questions than enroll feeling unsure.
Come see us
If you are looking for a daycare in Rexburg, we would love to show you around Stoney Court Playcare. Bring your list, bring your questions, and bring the kids. You can book a tour here, see our rates up front, or read the questions parents ask us most.