Another Child Dies in a Daycare Van
Reference Checks Erratic at Day Care Facilities
Day Care Worker Arrested

With headlines like that, why in the world would you want to leave your precious baby at a daycare center? With more than 800 facilities in Shelby County how do you choose the best one for your family?

I'm no expert in this field. I don't have children (yet) so I've turned to the real "experts" for help. Here's what you need to know before you trust ANYONE with your child.

Penny Burchum, Mother of One:
I think every day care should provide a list of names of all of staff members and their background checks. Parents should investigate everything thoroughly. They should also check with the Better Business Bureau. (www.midsouth.bbb.org)

Shirley Sandifer, Director of the Child Enrichment Center:
You should research several day care facilities before you decide on one. Visit the centers without calling first. If you have to make an appointment, then that tells you they have to get ready for you to come.

Holly Ritchey, Sales Representative/New Mom:
I look for the teacher turnover rate. My daughter goes to a center where instructors have been there a long time. The director also encourages them to get more training and pursue a higher education. Accreditation-it is not necessary, but is does mean the school has taken the time to meet a "higher standard" of child care. Sick babies-do they send them home or let them stay?

Shelly Cheng, Mother of Three:
Find out if the instructors have an Education Degree and if they're CPR certified. The furniture in the facility should be sturdy and not ragged. Outside, the covered play yard should be secure so visitors cannot get into the area easily. The center should provide healthy snacks and meals. Ask if you can see the daily progress sheets.

Samantha Carpenter, Mother of Twins:
Safety is very important to me. I want to know the day care isn't going to release my children to anyone but me.

Melissa Faber, Mother of Three:
I check for cleanliness. Watch workers changing diapers. Do they wash their own hands and sanitize the area afterwards? Go in the bathroom and the kitchen. See if you would want to be there yourself. How are the toys sanitized?

Tom Butler, News Anchor/Father of Two Girls:
It's important to take your children to a day care where the ratio of children to teachers is low and the room size is big.

Jennifer Esther Brown-Campbell, Artist/Mother:
Research each facility and consult with experienced professionals. Continue doing this even if things are going great. You want to make sure it stays that way. Be compelled to share your information and experience with others who may also be affected or vulnerable.

Kristen Landsgaard, Sales Coordinator/Mother of Two:
I had looked at a couple of places and some of the children at the centers didn't seem to "match" my children's personality. I picked the facility where he "fi ts in."

Tracy Fair, Hairdresser/Mom:
Don't judge a day care facility by the size of its playground. Make sure your child is getting an education too. You want your child to be prepared for Kindergarten.

Len Edwards, Executive Director of the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children/Father:
Do an on-site visit during any of the following times: a) Drop-off ; b) Pick-up ; c) Lunch time.

The reason? This is when the center is operating at its most stressful time. See how instructors do under pressure. Try to pick a center that's convenient and one that has a flexible policy so you don't find yourself pressured to pick up your child before penalty time begins.

• Check health dept. records for cleanliness.
• Trust your senses
• Sight (pictures, bulletin boards)
• Sound (children crying, employees yelling)
• Touch (dirty cabinets, countertops, toilets)
• Most importantly, check the references of parents who have children there. Call them, talk to them and get their opinions.

http://www.comec.org/ / (901) 405-8441

My advice: Information on the state's child care providers is on file at the Department of Human Services. You're entitled to that information. It's your right. Ask for it.

(901) 333-6051 / http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv
(You can search by name or zip code)

Don't let all the bad news prevent you from taking your children to day care. There are many reputable facilities in the Mid-South. Be the best parent you can be by making a commitment to find the safest and most loving provider for your child.

Appeared in:

• Life Design Magazine