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Home » Consumer Information » Child Care & Safety

Selecting a Daycare

When selecting a Daycare, research all your possibilities. Ask your friends, family, doctors, and referral agencies for centers they would recommend.

Daycare

When choosing a daycare, get as much information as possible. Ask friends, family, pediatricians, and referral agencies to suggest a place that will provide your child with the most stable environment and an atmosphere that will stimulate your child. To assist you in finding the best daycare center, we have compiled a list that will aid you in your selection process. The following steps will help you determine the characteristics of a good daycare as well as the negative aspects that you want to avoid in a bad daycare.

  1. Make a list of the factors that you think would make you and your children the happiest. Would you rather have a center close to home or near work
  2. Do you want your children to learn how to get along with many others at a time, or would you rather start them out in small groups
  3. Search the Internet and browse the phonebook for all centers in your area. When conducting this research, always be mindful of the factors you’re looking for in a daycare center. Also, take into consideration whether the center is accredited by the National Association of Family Childcare or if it has received any awards or special recognition.
  4. Once you have a solid list of possibilities, contact each center and ask some preliminary questions. Make note of how you feel after each conversation and what it was that swayed you one way or the other about each center. Some subjects you may consider inquiring about include:
    • Teaching philosophies
    • Teacher experience
    • Accommodation of your schedule
    • Policies
    • Activities
    • Fees
    • Hours
    • Teacher to child ratio
  5. Trim down your list by eliminating those centers that don’t provide positive responses to your initial inquiry. Then, visit the places that give you positive responses and interview the administrators, teachers, and others in charge. Obtain an activity list and explore the center. Does it appear to be an inviting, sanitary, and safe atmosphere where your child will blossom socially and excel educationally
  6. Also, compare the apparent worker to child ratio with the ratio that was originally quoted over the phone. Continue with any more questions that may arise during your inspection and interview, and make certain the director offers to show you all areas and activities of the center.
  7. Once you’ve narrowed your original list down to several acceptable choices, it’s time to start checking references. Call the parents of children currently attending or that have attended the daycare in the past. Ask their opinions of the center and whether they’d recommend it. If their children no longer attend the center, find out their reason for leaving.
  8. Return to the center with your children, and witness how they interact with both the teachers and other children. If they seem to be fitting in and getting along, chances are you’ve found the right daycare center for you and your children.
  9. When you’ve finally determined the center that seems to best suit your needs, don’t hesitate to enroll your children. If your child is placed on a waiting list, find a suitable caregiver until a slot opens at the daycare center of your choice.