Choosing the right childcare center or daycare program for your little one can be difficult under any circumstances, but during the COVID-19 outbreak, there are even more considerations. Below are a few questions you may want to ask potential daycares to help you make the most informed choice for your child and your family.

General Questions:

• What is the tuition or fees?
• Is there a waitlist?
• What is the educator to child ratio?
• What do you serve for meals?
• How do you handle frozen or pumped breast milk or formula?
• What is a typical day like at your childcare center?
• How do you handle discipline problems, such as biting, hitting or bullying?
• What is the visitor policy for parents or family members during the average day?
• What do your drop off and pick up procedures look like?
• What happens if you need to miss a day due to a vacation or illness?
• What are the potty-training procedures?
• What degrees or certification does your staff hold?
• How do parents stay up to date with their child’s daily activities?
• Do you administer medicine or emergency allergy treatment?
• How do you notify parents in the event of an illness or injury?
• What security measures do you have in place?
• Are you licensed or accredited? If so, by whom?

COVID-19 Childcare Considerations:

• Are tours of your facility available at this time?
• Are you implementing daily temperature checks for children and staff?
• Are guests being screened by temperature and/or symptoms?
• What are your handwashing and hygiene practices for the children and staff?
• How are you practicing distancing in each classroom?
• Does your staff wear masks?
• Are you keeping groups of children separate to limit contact and/or potential spread?
• How many children will be in my child’s classroom?
• What is the procedure for staff members or children who appear to have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is sick?
• What will you do if a staff member or child tests positive for COVID-19?
• What happens if my child shows symptoms of COVID-19? How will you isolate them until I can pick them up?
• What is your primary source for COVID-19 information?
• How often do you sanitize the toys and materials used by the children?
• Are visitors and volunteers allowed at this time?