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Are emergency phone numbers, such as poison control and the hospital, visible and posted for easy reference? Does the staff hold fire drills? Is the playground safe and secure from strangers? Are children prevented from climbing on the counters or other high places? It may seem like common sense to you, but childproofing and stranger safety should be of utmost importance to the center, too. If the staff is unaware of an emergency procedure that should be followed, or the playground is not fenced in, making it easy for a little one to wander off or be lured away, then it is not the place for your child. After all, you should be able to trust these individuals with your child's safety.
The cleanliness of the center should be high on your priority list, too. The staff should enforce hand-washing rules, and toys and any surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis. The last thing you need is your child getting sick at daycare because of dirty toys and unsanitary conditions.
Next: Lack of Communication
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