My mum is a FDC and she gave me this long list of things I should check when looking into FDC for DD (7months old now...has been in since 5 months)...(mum lives 5 hours away otherwise shes go there )
1. Area that they use - is it safe eg, safety gates where needed etc, cords etc...all the things you'd expect
2. Discipline - you want someone who is going to use appropriate discipline.
3. Routines - is the carer going to try and follow some of your routines or put DS/DD into a new routine so that it suits them??
4. Outings - does the carer have approved car seats etc. This is a requirement that car seats meet Aus safety standards but you'd be surprised. Also, you may not want a carer who is going to be out everyday with your baby - some carers are known for just going out and meeting for coffee everyday...
5. Check bottle prep and nappy change area - is it clean, do they prepare bottles properly et
6. Toys and activites - does she do things that are stimulating to the child and age appropriate. You are well within your rights to insepct what she does have for the kids in care.
7. Sleep area - does each child have thier own beds, do you have to supply bedding etc. if not are they washed regularly?
8. Check fee schedules and make sure you read your contract!!! Some carers will charge you astronomically amounts if you pick kids up late or reverse, charge you for dropping them early.
9. Nappy levies - this is usually charged as a once a day fee (eg. I pay an extra $2 a day as a nappy levi).
10. You are within your rights to go and watch and interact with the kids at anytime to make sure you are comfortable with the carer - if they say no then i'd be wary!
11. What do you have to supply and what do they provide???
12. Pets- do they have them, do they have access to play/sleep areas, are you comfortable with them??
13. Carers should have an open door policy meaning you can go whenever you like during the day to watch what your child is doing. You should also be able to ask any questions you like.
hmmm..... I can't think of anything else at the moment but if I do I will post it for you.
I know it seems like allot of things, but leaving your kids with someone other than family is a big step so you want to check everything and not get caught out anywhere.
Mods - not sure if this came up the first time as it isn't/wasn't showing on my screen or subscription list... sorry if it posts twice...
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