When taking a tour of a daycare...do you make an appointment or do a pop in?

[connorlevismom]

My gut tells me to do a pop-in but would that be rude? I don't want to tork anyone at the center off but I want to see what it is like in real time. I don't want anyone knowing that we are coming so they can be prepped. So what did you do? Do you think it makes a difference?

Kristine

 

[debster812]

DS is 12 now, but was in two different centers during his day care 'career'. What I did was call and make an appointment for a formal tour. The director, assistant director, and teachers do have things that they are responsible for, and cannot always drop what they're doing to take potential clients on a tour.

If I liked what I saw on the tour, I'd ask about doing a drop in within the next week, and was always told I was welcome to do so.

A very good friend of mine did the opposite. She would drop into a center, and make an appointment in person for her tour.

Good Luck! Choosing a center is always nerve-wracking. Trust your instincts and you'll be fine.

We were quite happy with both of DS's large, corporate Centers. Only moved him from his original because DH got a new job, and we wanted DS closer to home.

 

[Manda]

Every time I've called a potential day care center, they have given me a time range to stop in on any day without making a formal appointment time. Usually in the hours between morning drop off and lunch and then in the hours between nap time and pickup (like between 9 and 11:30 or 3 and 4:30). While they want you to feel like you can drop in at any time; obviously, it's inconvenient for all involved if you come in at certain times in their daily schedule and want a tour and information, etc.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Make an appt to be sure there is someone who has some time to show you around/answer questions. If you wanted to do a drop in, I'd do it after. (Would save the disruption of "who are you, why are you here?" if the director had already met you...)

 

[djp0630]

Definitely make an appointment for the first time since you want to make sure the director or assistant director has time for you. You can always drop in later. Plus you can ask about how they feel about drop-ins and if they welcome them, you know it's a family-friendly daycare. My daycare is always open and parents can come & visit anytime they choose.

 

[Desiree1972]

Definitely make an appointment and then do at least 3 surprise visits to get the real picture!

 

[DJFan88]

As someone who's been through it, I agree. Appt. first, then a couple drop in's.
Here are your drop in excuses: Extra questions, happen to be passing by.

Also, they always have paper work for you and immunization forms, so you're dropping them off, wanting to make sure everything is in place for your "crazy" morning their first day there.

The place we go to has become like family, the kids are all friends and many of the workers are moms of kids my kids know. It's a local place put on by a great local lady. Most great daycares will not even be phased by how many times you drop in. They want to answer all your questions and doubts.

If you feel uncomfortable (not in the "l'm nervous to leave my child anywhere"), keep looking. Also, if you go there and feel it is not for you, keep looking. The place we are at now we did not "see" when my kids were first small (even though it was there in town the whole time). I've also found that what my children needed as babies and toddlers is different now as school agers. Some places may be better geared to one or the other.

Bottom line: The staff can change over, but some more than others and the staff makes or breaks it. Watch who they hire because it shows how caring they expect the individuals to be. Appearances are also not always everything.