Whether you’re considering a daycare facility or someone who runs a daycare out of their home, it’s important that you ask lots of questions. Here are some important questions to ask daycare providers you’re considering:
 
 
* How long has this facility been in business?
 
* What are your hiring procedures?
 
* What is your staff turnover rate?
 
* Is your facility licensed and/or accredited? Does it meet all local and requirements?
 
* Have all staff and caregivers submitted to background and criminal checks? How were the checks done?
 
* What is the caregiver to child ratio?
 
* May I drop in anytime?
 
* What are your hours of operation? Do you charge extra if I’m late picking my child up?

* What is your policy regarding sick kids?

* What is your discipline policy?

* What types of meals and snacks do you serve?

* What are your security/safety policies?
 
* What is the policy when a child is hurt or falls ill? Will I be called? What if they can’t reach me?
 
* Are the caregivers CPR qualified?
 
* What happens when we want to take a vacation? Do we still have to pay for daycare even when my child is not at daycare?

Questions to ask when looking for infant daycare:

* What things do I have to provide? Diapers? Wipes? Milk/Food? Blankets?

* Will my infant have his/her own crib?

* Will the daycare provider be able to follow my infant’s schedule?
 
For in home daycare you may also want to ask:
 
* Why did you decide to start offering daycare services?
 
* If you are sick or have an appointment is there a backup that will watch the children or will I be forced to find alternative childcare?

* How much vacation will you take each year? How far in advance will I be given notice so that I can make alternative arrangements for childcare?

* Are there any pets in the home?
 
* Do you have any of your own children at home? 

Hopefully we’ve been able to help with these questions to ask potential daycare providers. Remember, if the daycare provider you’re interviewing is not willing to answer them or you don’t feel they’re being open and honest, KEEP LOOKING.

Good question!

Now that the nice weather is here again, make sure everyone in your family stays safe from the harmful effects of the sun by following these recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Babies under 6 months:

Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands.

For Young Children:

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15.

For Older Children:

The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.

Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen – about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.