OT: Infant Day Care

[tchan03]

Hi Our baby is not even born yet , it sounds too early to talk about that . But we are thinking about taking our baby to day care by the time she's about 1 year old.

Not every day care centres accept infant. We made our first appointment with one of day care centres in North York. I have some general questions and see if you can assist.

1. Do you think that Not-for-profit day care centres tend to provide better service ?

2. Is there a website that provides past client reviews of all the day care centres in Ontario ?

3. We plan to bring our baby to day care by Feb 2009. Assume that we are on the waiting list now .If we change our mind a few months later that we don't have to take our baby to day care until May 2009 and we notify this day care centre about that , then will they actually put us back to the bottom of the waiting list ?



Thanks

 

[DutchsMommy]

This will likely be very unhelpful (sorrY0 but from personal experience I can say we loved the YMCA. We were at the Family DEvelopment Centre which is downtown TO - Bay and Wellesley area. They were really great. I don't think it is silly to think about daycare now - the waiting lists are at least a year long so you might as well get on one now. I would ask each centre about the policy if you change your mind about the date your child will enter - to make sure you don't get bumped. I would think you would not end up back at the bottom, but likely if you did not take the spot available they would not guarantee a spot will be available when you want it.

 

[OntFamily]

I'm biased towards non-profit day care. We've had our child in both (profit and non-profit), and the non-profit was much nicer. It makes sense, a "for profit" centre must give a profit to the owner, while a non profit can put all their revenue back into the operation.

What made me laugh about the "for profit" centre was, they occassionally held fundraisers....... Why should I donate money, to buy supplies, that the owner of the day care should buy? All my donation would do, indirectly, is put more money in the pocket of the owner.

 

[drag n' fly]

Your space in most cases will not be held as their are others waiting for that space also.
Non-Profit licensed is always your first choice. It is regulated by the government and the staff working must meet specific training requirements. They are closely monitered for non compliance and any non compliances must be posted and what has been done to correct them. All spaces are equal. It is universal. People not able to meet the monthly fees are subsidized according to a sliding scale. Therefore everyone can afford child care no matter the income.
You may want to contact the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario for more information specific to your area. Sometimes word of mouth is your best reference. There is information online that will let you view which providers are licensed. http://www.ontario.ca/ONT/portal51/licensedchildcare
Remember you have the legal right to view compliance reports at any time. However there are specific things you should be looking for.

They are:

• Is the program's operating license posted and up-to-date?
• Do all staff members hold current first aid & CPR certificates?
• Is there a first aid kit easily accessible if it is needed?
• Are there working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the premises?
• Are the fire exits clearly marked and escape routes posted?
• Are fire drills conducted on a regular basis?
• What security measures are in place to prevent strangers from entering the premises?
• Is the outdoor play area securely fenced and in good repair?
• Observe the temperature and ventilation--are they sufficient for your child's comfort?
• Are electrical outlets capped?
• Are cleansers, medications and other hazards securely stored?
• If the children are to be transported in a motor vehicle, what provisions are made for car seats, safety belts, etc.?
• If the children will be walking to and from other facilities or locations, how will they be supervised and their safety on the street assured?
• If computers and the Internet are accessible to children, how is their use of these tools monitored and supervised?
• When you first walk in the door, do you notice any odours?

• Are the windows and floors sparkling clean?
• Does the classroom equipment appear to be wiped down regularly and in good repair?
• How often are the toys disinfected?
• Are the children encouraged to wash their hands after using the washroom, sneezing or coughing and also before eating?
• Can children easily reach the soap and paper towels in the washrooms?
• Are wastepaper baskets and garbage cans emptied before they're overflowing?
• Is the kitchen area clean?
• Do staff members involved in the preparation or serving of meals or snacks have appropriate food handling certification?
• What measures are taken to ensure the cleanliness of the sleeping area?
• Is the outdoor play area litter-free

• Is there enough room indoors and out for the children to play without feeling crowded?
• How is the indoor lighting? Is there at least some natural light in most areas?
• Is the furniture the right size for the children? Is it comfortable?
• Are the walls decorated with the children's artwork?
• Are there seasonal or thematic bulletin boards and other displays that relate to topics about which the children are learning?
• Is there evidence that the learning environment is continually being refreshed, so there is always something new for the children to see or do?
• Are items from the natural world incorporated into the daily environment--for instance natural materials such rocks, wood or sea shells, or classroom pets or plants?
• Are there books or toys on shelves or in bins where children can reach them?
• Are there enough toys to go around?
• Are the toys and equipment appealing to the children?
• Do the children have to wait a long time before getting a turn on larger pieces of equipment?
• Are there areas where children can play quietly, read or be alone?
• Is the sleeping area quiet, relaxing and comfortable?
• If you're seeking school age care, is there an appropriate homework area for your child?
• When you visit the centre, do the children appear busy and involved in what they're doing?
• During the day, are there opportunities for the entire group to be engaged in activities, for children to play in smaller groups, and on their own?
• Are the children involved in wide variety of activities, including such as singing, finger plays, pretend play, outdoor play, blocks, puzzles, games, drawing, painting, crafts and reading?
• Are there toys and books that would appeal to a wide variety of children's interests?
• Are there enough toys to prevent disagreements?
• How often are field trips scheduled?
• How often are interesting visitors invited to the class?
• Are you satisfied with the themes or skills reflected in the children's or classroom projects?
• Does the artwork display the child’s own personal creativity?
• When setting up for various activities, or cleaning up afterwards are the children involved?
• How are they being taught important life skills, such as hand washing, taking turns, keeping track of their personal belongings, etc.?
• Do the staff talk as they do things, describe everything for the children, and frequently read aloud?
• Do the staff answer the children's questions and take the time to engage each child in conversation about the activities?
• Are parents provided with an outline of the children's activities

This is a list that is commonly used. You will find it on many websites. You should be able to walk into your child care centre at any time on any day unannounced and be warmly welcomed. If you are not allowed...Big Red Flag!~. HTH