Entrusting the care of your infant to another adult is difficult. Finding a quality child care situation takes time and research. High-quality infant care options fill up quickly, so start your search early. This allows plenty of time to make your decision and get on a waiting list if necessary.
Narrow the Search
Locating potential day care centers gives you a starting point in your search. Decide what type of child care setting you prefer for your infant. A center offers more resources, activities and staff members, while an in-home day care exposes your infant to fewer kids. In-home care providers often have a closer relationship with the families, but there is often less regulation. The location of the infant care is another factor.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask friends, family and other acquaintances for recommendations on child care providers. Most people are willing to share their opinions, both positive and negative, about their past child care experiences. According to BabyCenter, you should choose a provider accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC.
Assess the Center
Visit the center to see the environment firsthand. Look around the infant care center to ensure it is a safe environment for young children. Meet the staff members so you can get a sense of how they interact with the children. Take your infant with you to help assess whether the center is a fit for you. Drop in unannounced to see what the center is like when they aren't expecting visitors.
What to Ask
Ask questions during your visit to help you decide if the center is right for your infant. Consider the factors that are important to you, such as the sick-child policy, an open-door visitation for parents and an educational curriculum. Look for a center that has a schedule of activities, even for the infants. Activities stimulate the babies and help with their development. Ask about the center's license and the qualifications of the staff.
Enrollment Procedures
Enrollment procedures vary slightly from one center to the next. Most require you to complete enrollment paperwork. If you live in an area with limited infant care, you might have to place your child on the waiting list. Be sure to complete all the necessary steps so you don't miss getting your infant enrolled in the program of your choice.
Cost Considerations
The cost policies of the infant care provider play a role in the decision-making process. In-home care providers typically offer lower rates than day care centers. Ask about whether you have to pay when you are on vacation or when your child is sick and does not attend the center; many day care providers require you to pay whether or not your infant attends. An in-home provider also might ask you to pay when she is on vacation or otherwise unavailable.
