How to Find The Right Daycare for Your Family

Choosing a quality child care center is one of the hardest decisions for a new parent to make. If you approach the process with these easy steps, you will narrow down your choices easily and make the right choice!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Don't let this process overwhelm you. Take it step-by-step. Before you ever start looking at centers, write down a list of questions that you need answered. This list can include anything from costs and availability, to curriculum, to sanitation codes.

2. Next, check out your state's licensing or child development website. It will list every child care center, some details about the center, and any recent violations at that center(usually within the last three years). Base your search on location and start to narrow down the choices based on the listed violations and other information provided.

3. With your list handy from Step One, call each center that is now on your list. Ask for the Center Director, introduce yourself and your child, and tell them your timeline. If there is space available, begin by asking a few questions from your list. Based on the answers you get, you will be able to narrow down your choices again.

4. The next (and most important) step is to get out of the house and visit each center that is left on your list. Take your list of questions along. This is the time to get ALL your questions answered. Ask to tour the entire center, not just the age group that your child will be enrolled in at the moment. Make notes about each center and take home any brochures they have for future reference.

5. If you still have a couple centers to choose from after your first visit, feel free to visit again! Visit as many times as you need to in order to feel comfortable with your decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the center if they offer a "free trial day" for your child to visit the center. This is a great way to see how your child will like the classroom without having to make any obligations.
• The time of day that you visit a child care center matters! The "right" time to visit depends on what it is you are hoping to see. If you want to see children engaged in activities, then visit around 9:00-10:00am when the children are likely to be in large or small group sessions.
• Lunch time can be a hectic time at a child care center. You may not be able to get the full attention of the teachers in the classrooms.
• Similar to lunch time, drop-off and pickup times are hectic for the Administrative Staff. They are often taking payments, addressing issues with parents, or subbing in a classroom. On the other hand, this is a great time to speak with families who are currently enrolled at the center!