LF: Daycare/Dayhome for my son - Edmonton

[mr_alberta]

Which Laurie???

[mr_alberta]

Thanks Jeff, much appreciated!

[Proteus]

I'll do it for sps

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by mr_alberta

Which Laurie???

Me! I work in childcare.

First make sure it is a non-profit accredited daycare. Make sure that they have an open door policy: meaning you can stop in whenever and check up with them. I also highly recommend spending a whole day or two visiting with with and closely observing how they interact with the children. I've had parents spend a whole week observing before their child started with us. Ask to see their licensing reports, they are supposed to be available for parents to read and are usually informative as to how the staff are with the children and how the centre is being run. If a centre won't let you see the reports then run in the other direction, as they probably have something in them they don't want you to see.

Make a list of questions you have for the workers and ask them everything and anything, the good ones should be able to answer any and all questions and ease your concerns. Listen to your gut and the vibe being given off about the place. Most of the better quality centres are doing documentation panels; basically a poster board of some sort showing pictures of the children involved in an activity and an explanation of some sort as to what the children are doing/learning from that activity. Also ask if you can see an example of the children's portfolio's. Good quality centres will have a portfolio for each child containing pictures, paintings, drawings and information about that child.

Keep in mind that good centres have long wait lists for infant care. Get your name on a list asap. Once you're on the list it's helpful to call ahead to the centre you want at least 2 months before you want your child to start and be persistent about wanting them there. Keep calling back/checking in with them so they know your interested. It usually makes you memorable to the centre and gives them incentive to pick you over someone else when a spot becomes available.

This is a really good one on the southside, the director's name is Kristy:

McKernan Child Development Centre
11125 - 76 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T6G 0J9
780-414-0421
http://www.mckernanbaptist.ca/index....1000&id=179383

Hope that helps, feel free to pm me with any questions.

[mr_alberta]

Fantastic, thanks Laurie!

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by mr_alberta

Fantastic, thanks Laurie!

No problem. Also so you know a lot of daycares are charging a registration fee to be on the wait list and most places will say its a two year wait but that's just what they say in case they can't get you in when you want. FYI if they offer you a spot a month early take it as it might be awhile before they have another spot.

[Seriak]

What is a non-profit accredited daycare. You mean people actually look after a bunch of kids all day with no expectation of profit?

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by Seriak

You mean people actually look after a bunch of kids all day with no expectation of profit?

Sadly, yes. In my case it's called parenting. Not sure what I was thinking

[Seriak]

Originally Posted by reefgirl189

Sadly, yes. In my case it's called parenting. Not sure what I was thinking

Lol, Oh, I understand parenting! I guess I should have said "other people's kids"