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Nanny's Home
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Selecting a childcare provider is a very difficult and important decision for parents. Here is a checklist of questions you may want to refer to when choosing the right childcare for your loved ones.
- Is the facility accredited by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services?
- What is the ratio of teachers to children?
- What education/experience is required of staff?
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- How many staff members are certified for CPR and/or first aid?
- What is included in the tuition? Diapers, meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks), etc. Is there a registration fee? Is there an activity fee?
- What is "taught" in the classroom? Are age-appropriate daily activities planned for each classroom, i.e., fine motor skills, cognitive, language, etc.? Are computers accessible in the older classrooms?
- Are family members welcome in classroom? Do you have access to your child at any time? Are you welcome to participate and/or observe at your convenience?
- What are security/safety standards? Does the facility have specific plans/procedures for the security and safety of your child? Is there a system to prevent unauthorized persons from picking up your child?
- Is the facility clean? Can you tour the kitchen? Is the facility well-maintained? Are the children taught to wash hands before meals and after potty?
- What is the mood of the children? Are the children having fun? Do they relate to the teachers?
- What do other parents think of the center? Will they provide you with references from other parents in the class your child will attend?
- Are parents involved in the center? Does the center have parent meetings on a regular basis, which provide "training" and practical information about child-related situations? Are parents involved in what happens? Are there special events that include families, such as Mother's/Father's Day celebrations, picnics, etc.?
- Don't forget the playground. Is it totally enclosed? Is the equipment age-appropriate? Safe? Do all ages share the same equipment?
- Are any enrichment activities offered on-site? For your convenience, are any "extra" programs offered at the center so you do not have to spend time after daycare to expose your child to specific activities, i.e., ballet, music, art, tumbling, karate, foreign languages?
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