Your First Inspection??

[My Daycare]

During my 1st inspection there was one thing that my rep said I had to fix. My bathroom door locked from the inside, so I had to find the key or change the knob. All I had to do was call her later that day and tell her that it was done. She then put in for my license.

[sahm1225]

I had 2 fire extinguishers (one that was A & B and one that was A & C) and she said it had to be just one extinguisher that did A,B,C, so I went out and bought one and mailed her the receipt.

I had a packet of all of the documents that I had sent to them for licensing and she reviewed to make sure she had them all. They will also ask to see your actual First Aid and CPR card.

Good luck in your inspection!

[Missani]

The big one that I did not think of was cords. Obviously, I tucked away or secured most of the cords, but there were a few I didn't think of. For example, I have a laptop. She said all of the laptop cords had to be bundled together and tucked away. Not sure how I was supposed to use the laptop with no cord movement (only not plugged in I guess), but I used velcro to secure it so I can remove it to use the computer and tie it back up again. I also had a CD player on a shelf with the cord hanging down, extra secured, and tucked behind a large shelf. She said a kid could pull it down on themselves, which they could, so I had to secure the cord to the wall.

Also, the bathroom key for a door that locked from the inside so it could be opened from the outside. I had to install new exterior locks on my home because they locked with a key (that we kept in the door at all times) from the inside and that was not allowed. I also had to build (could have bought) gates for the BOTTOM of my deck stairs. I had them on top but had to have them for the bottom, too, so kids couldn't climb up and fall on the stairs. The other weird one was that the door to the garage had to self close so I had to put a new hinge on it. All of these things were required by my state and I had a list, so I knew in advance.

My licensor inspected all rooms of my home (daycare or not) and looked in every drawer and closet. I don't think they all do this. Because my son's room had "chemicals" (diaper cream in a drawer) and my other son's room had fish food in a top drawer, I had to install child proof handles on the door so the kids could not get in. Again, these were areas NOT used for daycare (my daycare is on a separate level of the home.)

My licensor was really nice and very constructive. She came out twice, once to look around and give feedback and once to see if corrections had been made. I didn't have much I needed to do, which was really nice. I was really worried, too, but I shouldn't have been. Good luck!

[Missani]

Oh, and lock up that toothpaste! That's a common one that I hear providers talk about. I realize it's a chemical, but I think a lot of people forget that one. My mom said, "Oh so daycare providers can't brush their teeth?" Eww!

[Keri'sKids]

I have to add, this wasnt an initial insp,.. it was last spring. !!

Anything we want out, like perfume, we keep in the master bathroom lock the master bath as well as the master bedroom. every room has a door on it even if it is a glass door that is not used for DC. I keep the key in my pocket. It works great.

[KEG123]

Wow so I need locks on all rooms not in use? Hmm... I plan to have the non kid areas baby gated off. Is that not enough??

And man, I will be very upset if she tries to inspect drawers and closets not in use by the daycare (like, my bedroom for example). I might have to tell her to leave. That level of invasion of privacy is ridiculous.

[Gurdy]

So, your inspection day is getting close! Don't be nervous they are usually really helpful and nice- that was a big surprise to me. I envisioned someone coming in to my home and just looking for flaws and trying to find a reason to not give me a license. It was just the opposite, they just want to help you in my experience. Good luck, relax, and don't worry, you will do fine.

[KEG123]

Yep, tomorrow food program lady comes and Wednesday is the inspection. I'm really really nervous! It's like, taking a test or something. Eek!

[Crystal]

RELAX.

Then review this:

http://www.state.il.us/DCFS/docs/summgroup.pdf

Check yourself. Make any corrections.

And then be confident that you WILL pass!

[Abigail]

I'm wishing you good luck on your visits with food program and your licensure. I'm sure you'll do fine!

[KEG123]

Thanks everyone!

[melskids]

i just had my first unannounced inspection this morning (since my initial inspection two years ago) and it wasnt that bad. she also did a food program check as well.

the hardest part was trying to talk to her, and entertain/keep an eye on the kiddos at the same time. of course, this would be the time they all decide to act up. needless to say, she was pretty impressed, and i got 100% compliance!!! YIPEE!!!!

(i know all states are different) but she did not look through any drawers. she just made sure everything was locked up that should have been. i do have hook and eye's on my kids doors, so she never even asked to look in there.


this was the first time meeting her, as the old licensor left a few months ago. i was nervous she was going to be mean, but she was really nice.

take a deep breath and pretend she's your best friend. thats how i got through it

good luck and let us know how you make out!!!!