Inspecting Child Care Centres

**OhGeeMuma** · 03-02-2010 16:55

My MCHN suggested showing up unexpected to Child Care Centres to inspect them with a view to enrolling DD on the waiting list. Has anyone done this and how was it received by the Centre?

**SassyMummy** · 03-02-2010 16:58

That's fine.

They're used to it, and are happy to take you through to have a look.

Any centre that wasn't happy with showing you around would be somewhere I wouldn't feel happy with sending my child.

**Mrs Nietzsche** · 03-02-2010 16:59

I have always done it and they always seem perfectly fine wiht it.

**1+1=5** · 03-02-2010 17:03

its a good idea

**niks28** · 03-02-2010 17:03

I work at a child care centre and we are more than happy to show a parent around anytime of the day, some times are better than other times in regards to a spare staff to help the parent around but if we dont I sometimes show parents around with a baby on my hip.

I think its a good idea and that way you can get a real feel for the centre rather than them all putting on a show!

**~BEXTER~** · 03-02-2010 17:05

I have been doing that all week.

I think it's the way it should be done.
just try not to go around 12 most of the kids are resting, lol

**MumtoD** · 03-02-2010 17:12

I think thats how most people do it. I would never make an appointment to view a child care centre but I would go at a considerate time as well (not first thing, last thing or lunch time).

**lozie2** · 03-02-2010 17:22

i worked in child care, i suggest it, you get a feel for the centre, just dont go at sleep time, its good to see how the staff act with the children in care and you wont get to see that, so generally beween 11.30-2.30,3pmish i wouldnt go... i would say best times are between 9am and 11am, thats when kids are in the middle of play

good luck!

**bubbies4me** · 03-02-2010 17:26

i just showed up and all of the centres were happy to show me around.

**Leisa21** · 03-02-2010 17:34

It's perfectly acceptable. The center my son is enrolled in doesn't have appointments at all. Because it's a Montessori Center they believe you need to witness the children and center while the children are there without it seeming staged.

Because of how the children and center is they don't like you to make appointments because they've had people suggest they've set things up because the children are so calm, quiet, happily sharing, putting their things away and so on

I agree with a PP in saying if they're not happy with you just turning up it would set of alarm bells and I wouldn't send my child.