How to Choose a Daycare for Your Children

Choosing a daycare center for your children is a challenging task. Nobody really wants to put their child in a daycare but sometimes it's just unavoidable. You have to go to work after all. And as a good parent it's up to you to choose the safest and most responsible daycare center you can find. Here are some things to ask and look out for. Don't be afraid to appear a little pushy, we're talking about the welfare of children after all.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A list of all the daycare centers in your area.

1. Make a list of all the daycare centers in your area. Call and make appointments to visit each one. This will be your inspection.

2. Find out from the daycare owner/director which agency or agencies they are licensed under. Call the licensing agency to find out if any complaints have been filed against the daycare.

3. Ask the daycare owner/director for references. This would be the names of parents whose children have been enrolled in the past and present. Call these parents and get their opinions.

4. Find out the qualifications of staff members. Find out how they are screened for employment.

5. Find out the staff to child ratio. One staff member to 5 children is good. How well does staff members interact with the children? Do the children seem happy?

6. What are the children's' routines and activities? How is discipline handled?

7. If a children becomes sick. What are the policies and what arrangements are made?

8. How clean is the daycare? Is the toys and equipment in good condition?

9. What is the cost of enrollment? Are the prices fair? Outrageous? When and how is payment due?

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any doubts move on to the next daycare.