Often, a family may have many questions about daycare in Auckland, especially if it is their first time. The process can seem overwhelming if you don’t know where or how to begin.
Safety and health are two of the most important topics when searching for child care. These are important questions and things you should consider when searching for childcare solutions.
SECURITY & OPEN DOOR POLICIES
- It is important to find out about the security of the centre’s front doors, as well as the secure entrances. Consider the following: Are drop-off and pick-up clear and consistent?
- How can families get into the centre?
- How can visitors or authorized drop-off/pick-up persons to get in?
- Is there an open-door policy? Is it encouraged for families to come by and have lunch, nurse, or cuddle their children?
CPR and FIRST AID
- Ask staff members if they are current on certifications and if they have been trained in an emergency.Are teachers certified in CPR/first aid?
- Are certifications mandatory?
- Are they regularly attended, required trainings to ensure that they’re properly trained for any emergency situation?
RATIOS AND SUPERVISION
- Although teacher-to-child ratios can vary from one state to the next, they are required and must be observed.Ask about the ratios of the classrooms.
- Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior. What supervision is given to the children?
- Is there transition tracking and roll call procedures in the center? These tools allow staff to keep track of how many children are in their care at any given time.
FOOD AND ALLERGY CONTROL
- You may be reluctant to allow your child to participate in group care if they have a food allergy. You should confirm that the center has policies and procedures that can manage allergies. They also need to take this matter seriously. These are questions you can ask the center.What are the best ways to handle food allergies?
- Are you a trained instructor in allergy treatment or reaction prevention?
- Can you please tell me how the center keeps track who eats what?
- How does the center ensure that children are getting the right food (solids and liquids)?
- Can you please clarify what “nut safe” means in the center?
- Can an EpiPen be administered by anyone? Is the EpiPen portable?
- What should you do in an emergency situation?
PREVENTING ILLNESS AT CENTER
- While healthy habits and taking care of our bodies may seem second nature to us, it is essential that healthy habits are taught to children, whose immune systems are still developing. You’ll need to find a child care partner who will teach your children healthy habits, from teaching them how to use tissues to shoeless classrooms in infant schools. These are just a few of the topics you can explore with the center.Please tell me more about your illness policy.
- Do you set an example and include children in healthy meal preparations and your exercise program?
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle (e.g. Is your curriculum promoting a healthy lifestyle, e.g., exercise, rest, eating healthy food, and good hygiene?
- Do you have a sample lunch or snack menu?
- Are there any tissues, sinks or liquid soap available?
- Are children required to be out of the centre for a set period of time if they have a fever? Teachers?
- What happens if a child becomes ill during the day?
Did you notice that the center emphasizes good handwashing throughout your visit? These are all important aspects of keeping your child happy and healthy.
