DENVER — Courtney Brunkow got on the daycare waiting list early - as in months before her baby was even born.
She paid for a spot and waited for a call from the place where she hoped to get infant care. Two years later, they called back offering a spot to her son, who's now a toddler.
“You’re all but guaranteed a spot on the waitlist, and then when you need the childcare there is no space,” says Courtney Brunkow.
Brunkow and her husband both work full-time and are currently expecting their second child. They're two of many parents who know that finding childcare isn’t easy, and it doesn't come cheap.
The Colorado Department of Human Services says the average price per day, per kid in daycare was $60 in 2015.
We sat down with Brunkow, who explained what she went through in her own words. You can watch in the video above.
If you're looking for childcare, DHS gave us some questions that parents can ask to potential facilities, as well as a list of things to look out for:
Questions to ask?
- Is your program licensed by the State of Colorado?
- What is your philosophy regarding caring for children?
- What hours are you open? Are your hours flexible?
- What training have you and your staff had?
- What days are you closed for holidays or staff training?
- May I have a list of current parents to contact for feedback on your program?
- What is the age range of the children in your care? 10. What do you do when a medical emergency occurs?
- How many children are in each classroom or home? What is the teacher to child ratio?
- What kind of daily communication can I expect from you? 6. How will my child spend his/her day? What is a typical day like?
- Are there ways for me to participate in the program
Check list of things to look out for:
- Health and Safety Equipment is clean and in good repair.
- Electrical outlets are covered.
- Emergency route and emergency numbers are posted.
- The doors are locked and visitors are required to sign in.
- All toys are clean and in good condition.
- The playground has safe surfaces, is fenced and has both sun and shade.
- Daily Activities and Nutritious meals and snacks are provided.
- Nap and story time are built into the day.
- Puzzles, blocks, music and make-believe stations are provided.
- Children have a time to choose their own activities.
- Activities are varied and include both outdoor playtime and indoor quiet time.
- A daily schedule is posted.
- The room is warm and inviting.
- The children are happy and involved with both staff and with other children.
- The furniture is child-sized and the materials are at the children’s level.
- Materials are age-appropriate and there are enough supplies for children to either play alone or to share.
- Different cultures and traditions are seen in the classroom.
- Teacher/Child Interactions: There is shared respect between teachers and children.
- Teachers are at children’s eye level when talking with them.
- Teachers listen closely to each child and use positive language when talking with them.
- Children are asked questions and not just given directions.
- The teacher attends to children who are upset.
- I am comfortable that my child’s culture and traditions will be welcome.
