Daycare Questions?

[marshian]

Also will be checking out daycares after the new year. Give me all the questions I should ask and any red flags to watch for.

[hpnegirl]

I think there was one a few months back but I'm too lazy to search and find so... I formula fed and cloth diaper so my questions are geared towards those

Feeding related:
-if FF, will they put an unfinished bottle back in the fridge to finish later or do they have to dump it?
- when will they start solids for infants at school?
-who provides solids/what do they provide/what is the menu?
-when do they feed solids (are there set times)?
-do they track feedings?

Diapers/wipes
- do they take cloth diapers? Any special requirements?
- who supplies disposable diapers/wipes?

General type things
- how many kids per teacher, per classroom?
- If using an infant seat, can it be stored there during the day?
- what is the fever cut off for sick kids?
- what is the rule for staying home when sick?
- what is the nap schedule like?
- how many hours per day can the child be left at the center before additional fees are incurred?
- do they require vaccines?
- are there any center wide food restrictions (like nut free)?


For us, our center allows us to drop DS off for 10 hours per day. They're understanding if it's more because of traffic provided we call and tell them and get him before closing time (shit happens). They feed solids at 9a,12p, and 3p. We send breakfast for an earlier meal. When he was on formula, they gave it straight from the fridge because that's how he took it and put it back if it wasn't finished to finish later. We send in pocket diapers and they put them all in a wet bag for us to deal with at the end of the day.

He has to be symptom free for 24 hours when sick or on prescription meds for 24 hours before returning to school. Only exception is strep when they have to be out for 48 hours after meds are administered. Fever cut off is 101.0 F for being sent home. They require all to be vaccinated unless there is a medical exception. They get to watch a movie ~1 time a month. Some months, it's not at all but it's never more than once a month