Finding an out-of-home childcare center for a child with a bleeding disorder is a big step. The suggestions below can help ease any worry. Remember, your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) or local bleeding disorders organization is available for additional support. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
The section of First Step includes the following:
Information on Center-Based Childcare
Questions to Ask at Your Child Care Center Visit
Things to Look for When Visiting a Child Care Center
Information on Center-Based Child Care
Center-based care, including preschools, may be organized by school districts, public or private agencies, faith or spiritual communities, organizations serving children with disabilities, or child development centers. Usually, they are open from very early in the morning to early in the evening. There are licensing requirements for the facility, including the number of children a qualified staff member can take care of (called staff-child ratio) that vary from state to state. The required staffing number depends on the age of the children, the size of the facility, the nature of the program, and the state where the center is located.
Here is an example:
Under 2 years old: 1 staff person to 3 children
2-3 years old: 1 staff person per 8 to 10 children with a teacher’s aide
3-4 years old: 1 staff person per 10 to 16 children with a teacher’s aide
5-6 years old: 1 staff person per 20 children with a teacher’s aide
The program goals and policies at daycare centers vary. Meet with the daycare staff to discuss details about the center’s program and daily schedule to learn whether the facility and program meet your family’s needs. Ask lots of questions (sample questions provided below). Keep in mind your child’s habits, personality, needs, and likes and dislikes.
Here are some things to look for in a childcare center and school:
The professional qualifications and training of staff are important to a quality program. Ask about the degrees and certificates held by the program’s director and teachers. Find out if they provide staff with ongoing training.
In addition to low child-to-teacher ratios, the overall size of the program is important.
Teachers who have been in a program longer build bonds with the children, and those relationships help children grow and learn. Low turnover can also be a sign that the program values good staff and works to keep them.
First and foremost, check that the program is licensed by the state. Make sure that the childcare facility looks clean and that all children are under adult supervision at all times. Staff should be able to clearly describe health and safety procedures, as well as policies for handling emergencies.
Understanding how your child will spend each day is important. Will they have outside time? Will they do art activities? Movement activities? Knowing what educational or other activities are part of each day will help you find the best fit.
Questions to Ask at Your Child Care Center Visit
Plan what you want to ask before you go for a visit. Think about the things that are important to you. Make a list of your questions and feel free to use these to get started.
Is the center licensed? Is the staff licensed? By whom?
How many of your staff are trained in CPR and first aid?
How are substitute teachers hired and used in case of staff calling out sick? Do they have the same type and amount of training as your regular staff?
Do you have experience working with children with health issues? What types of health issues do you have experience with?
What ages of children do you serve at your center? What ages are placed together?
What is the procedure for dealing with illness or accidents involving children?
What is the procedure for dealing with challenging behaviors?
Is your facility accessible? What do you do if my child needs to use crutches, a wheelchair, or has mobility issues?
What is the procedure for reporting unusual marks on my child?
Does your staff carry emergency phones when taking children on field trips and to activities outside the center’s facilities?
Do you have a regular schedule for each day?
What is the napping or infant sleep policy or procedure?
What regular communication plan is in place for reporting on my child’s day-to-day activities? Does it include health and diet related information?
What kinds of meals are served? How are bottles stored? What accommodations are made for special dietary needs, including allergies? Is there a menu?
What is the diapering procedure?
Do you have a parent or caregiver handbook?
What is your policy on parent or caregiver visits?
Does your center hold meetings for parents or caregivers?
What are the hours of operation? What holidays is the center closed? What is the policy on late or early pick up or drop off?
What are the emergency preparedness plans in case the facility needs to be evacuated? How will you contact parents or caregivers? Where does the center evacuate in an emergency? For more information about emergency preparedness, visit the Emergency Preparedness section.
Are you willing to keep my child’s medication for use in an emergency? Who is allowed to administer medication at the center?
Things to Look for When Visiting a Child Care Center
Are children occupied with activities? Are they playing together? Sharing? Fighting? Looking lost or bored?
Is the indoor space or classroom well organized, clean, and safe?
Is the play equipment well designed, safe, creative, clean, and age-appropriate?
Is there enough staff to supervise all the children on the equipment?
Does the staff interact patiently and warmly with the children?
Are staff members motivated to learn more about your child’s medical condition? Are they motivated to meet and learn from you and from your child’s healthcare providers?
How does it feel to be in the center? What is your first impression or initial reaction? Does it feel tense? Cheerful? Relaxed? Will you be able to leave for work feeling comfortable about leaving your child in the care of this staff?
