Hello! We are trying to find a daycare centre (preferably in the Whitby area) that has a webcam, which allows parents to log in and check on their kids during the day. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!
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I know that such centres exist however in my 25-odd years in the field have yet to see one. Regardless, you can't trust a webcam to be your guardian. I suggest you visit centres in your area and upon admittance, ensure that your orientation for your child is at least 3 days (I would suggest a week of visiting). This allows you to get to know the staff and routine and will give you a "visual" when you do return to work. I also encourage unannounced drop in visits. Some parents say, "but than my child will become upset when I leave again!" They won't if you make it a regular routine. You need to get a feeling for the staff at the centre. I always tell parents that you can have the best centre and staff in the world but if your going to work all stressed out (after the intial couple of weeks), than that day care is not right for you. Also go to the Ministry of Social Services website and look up daycares in your area. They must post any non-license compliance issues. When you have found a centre, ask how many ECE's there are...little loopholes will allow centres to have only one ECE per room...the assistants don't need any qualifications (gasp!). A good supervisor at a good centre will take there time hiring only the best people available. Also, avoid any centre that says something like (for example)..."no visiting from 12-2 becasue it is sleep time and you will disturb the children". Huge red flag...this is your child...you visit when you want!! Look for a non-profit centre...profit centres may cut corners to make a buck. Lastly...don't get in a kafluffle if you see a male day care teacher; we are not weird because we enjoy working with young children. Ask most day care teachers and they'll say that they wished there were more males in the field.
Other stuff...
-ask when the recent CPR/1st aid training had taken place
-ask about staff turnover (indicator of staff moral)
-speak to parents with children already enrolled in the centre
-don't accept the first centre you visit...did you know a study once showed that families look longer for a car than for child care?? (geez)
Best of luck!!
Gord, fantastic response.
I have been in the field nearly 14 years now in one shape or form and have only encountered one centre with web cams and that was in York Region. We actually surveyed our parents about web cams 2 years ago and did not have one positive response. Parents did not want their children videotaped.
I would look into the for profit centres if you want web cams, I highly doubt most non-profit centres could afford that type of set up.
I have been working in centres for over 10 years, so far I have worker at 3 centres that have web cams. Almost every new centre provides web cams (at least in and around york region) so my opinion is to look for new centres, those will be your best bet in finding one that uses web cams.
Hi I know of a Daycare Centre that has Webcam, vie the internet in Ajax, the name of the centre is SKD Bilingual Child Care Centre in 1801 Harwood Ave. North
Ajax, or visit the website www.skdgarderiebilingue.ca