Member Articles

• What are the staff-to-child ratios?
• What is the rate of staff turnover? It's a particular issue for large centers.
• Do the kids go off the premises at all? How often?
• Do they mix the age-groups? Some places this is prohibited by law, but many parents believe it's good for the children to interact with children of varying ages.
• Is there a curriculum?
• Is there a contract? If so, take a copy home.

(I will take for granted that you will check that the environment and equipment are clean and safe.)

For hiring a Nanny:

Of the various daycare options, nannies have probably been the most widely discussed here at Work It, Mom! There are tips for figuring out how to interview a nanny and suggestions for interview questions and conversation topics, and a recent Q&A on what Work It, Mom! members decided to ask when they interviewed their candidates.

• Why did she leave her last placement?
• What does she love about her job?
• What's something she doesn't like about it?
• If you're considering nanny-sharing, is she open to that? Has she ever done it before?

If you're going through an agency, ask all of the above, plus:

• Does agency provide back-up in case of nanny illness?
• What happens if nanny quits?
• Do they provide a nanny-to-client contract, or do you contract only with the agency? (Either way, read it through!)