Choosing a Quality Childcare Provider


Although there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to child care, there are basics to look for which will ensure that your children are well cared for. Take it one step at a time, and trust your instincts.

First, do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Ask for specifics. What do they like/dislike? Use our website to find informative reviews of centers from other parents. Check state websites for local guidelines. Learn about recommended child-to-staff ratios as well as credentials required for positions such as director, lead teacher, and assistant teacher. Look at the website of prospective child care programs, or call, to find out about their accreditation, ages cared for, costs, hours, meals, and transportation. Research their philosophy of education and discipline.

Second, make an appointment to visit. Use your senses to help evaluate the environment.

  • Does it smell clean and fresh, or is there a lingering odor?
  • Listen to the children. Is there laughing? Do the kids sound involved in their play? Is there a television blaring? How do the adults talk to the children? Is there shouting and edgy voices, or quiet talking.
  • Is there a variety of play areas? Look for carpeted areas with floor cushions or small armchairs for reading, hard floors for indoor ball or block play, and hard washable floors for the eating areas. Outdoor play areas should be fenced, clean and spacious.
  • Look for bright colors, clean floors and toys, and a variety of age appropriate toys, games and art activities. Look for smiles; kids engrossed in play.

 

Talk to the director and the age-level teacher.

  • Ask about values and discipline. Are their practices in line with yours?
  • Ask about hand-washing guidelines. This is a very important issue. The number one cause of infections in day-cares is improper or infrequent hand-washing.
  • Ask about background and credentials. Are teachers required to have background checks?
  • Ask abut fire drills, disaster procedures, and emergency procedures if your child is hurt or ill.

 

The last step is to make an unscheduled visit at the program and look at everything again. Ask for names of parents you can talk to about their experience with the center.

Entrusting your children to others isn’t easy, but you can find quality child care you’re comfortable with. When you have, return to our website and share your experience in order to benefit other parents.

7 thoughts on “Choosing a Quality Childcare Provider

  1. I really like how the article suggest researching a child care center’s philosophy of education and discipline. I’ve heard that a good way to go about doing this is by visiting the center prior to enrolling your child and observing how things go. I think doing so would also be really helpful in allowing you to more fully trust that facility to your child’s care.

  2. Your advice to get recommendations from your friends and family as well as checking out websites is a good idea. I also like your advice to make an appointment so that you can visit them and check out the facilities as well as the staff. When you’re visiting the child care center, it would probably be a good idea to take your kid with you so that you can see how they interact with the other children as well as the staff so that you can make sure they’ll enjoy it there.

  3. I have a 21 yr old Down syndrome daughter who is waiting to go into Strive. She has the mentality of between 8 and ten on a slow level. She is very easy going and friendly and very easy to tend. She likes to do things young girls like Barbie dolls, games, making things. She is 109% potty trained going # 2, but needs reminding throughout the day to sit on the potty for regular bathroom needs. She talks and feeds herself. In need of licensed daycare until she enters Strive. Please reach out I’m in Grand Junction Colorado.

  4. Thanks for the reminder that the cleanliness should also be considered carefully when looking for a good childcare facility. I want to look for one because I want to help my sister look for a good one for her daughter. I think that will help her balance out her current job with parenting.

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