How to Identify a Daycare that is Right for your Family

If you’re planning to go back to work, looking to develop or improve your child’s social interactions, or are just shifting some of the burden of responsibility due to personal obligations it is important to find the best daycare that is right for your family. Where it’s a choice you embrace or one you reluctantly accept, entrusting your child (especially if this is your first baby) to a stranger is an overwhelming decision. In fact, entrusting your child’s care to someone else is one of the most difficult and most important decisions you’ll have to make.
 
Where you are opting for family daycare, a formal childcare center, or in-home care, you must be confident in your choice. But with so many options available to you, how do you make this all-important decision? We’ve talked to mothers who have been in your shoes for the best tips on identifying childcare that is right for your family.
 
1)    Start your research early: Ask your pediatrician, survey your mom friends, read reviews. It’s never too early to start looking at childcare, especially if you live in an area with lots of young families. There can be waitlists for more of the “premier” care facilities which can make finding the right place overwhelming. 

2)    Identify options and check their policies: It’s best to have a few options available to you. You’ll want to do a site visit, check references and their accreditations. Some of the best questions to ask are:

a.     Are you licensed? If so, who is it through?
b.     What is the child-to-caregiver ratio?
c.     What are the rates/fees?
d.     What is your drop off and pick up procedures?
e.     Is there a weekly learning plan?
f.      What is your approach to discipline?
g.     How do you communicate with parents? 
h.     How do you handle screen time?
i.      When are naps offered and how are babies put to sleep?
j.      What snacks/drinks are provided for older babies?
k.     What is your sick policy?

3)    Drop by unannounced: Word of mouth referrals are great, but you need to look at a place yourself to assess if it meets your needs. A quality childcare environment should be kept clean, childproof, and well stocked with sturdy books and toys that are age appropriate. Also look at other details like who is sharing the space and if infants have their own area. You might want to consider stopping in unannounced a few times at different times of day to see how things are going just to confirm this is the place for you. 

4)    Look for happy children and staff: You want to see an alert, clean, and content babies in spacious rooms with an area for quiet alert time and napping. Caregivers should seem energetic, patient and genuinely interested in the kids. 

5)    Trust your gut: If something doesn’t feel quite right, you’re probably on to something. You might clash with the staff or be turned off by the facilities. If it happens, keep searching. Your child deserves, and will thrive, under good, nurturing care. 

6)    Be open to change: If things don’t work out with your first choice, be open to changing. The goal is to find consistent, quality care for your baby. Babies are resilient and will follow your lead. 
 
Sending your little one off to daycare won’t be an easy experience but no matter what you’re the essential caregiver and the most consistent source of love and support in their life. With your care and guidance, along with the help of your well-chosen caregivers, your baby will flourish and grow into a happy, healthy child.