Approximately 70 percent of U.S. parents eventually face the chore of finding the right daycare for their young children, according to Kids Health. Whether you are a new parent with an infant or a seasoned pro with a 2-year-old, evaluating, interviewing and choosing a qualified caregiver can seem overwhelming. The process requires careful attention and research, but most communities have excellent options that will fill your daycare needs.
Step 1
Write down your "must haves" when it comes to the location, type, cost, qualifications of caregivers and other factors that might influence your decision. For instance, some parents prefer larger facilities with several staff members, but you may prefer a smaller, in-home facility with one or two caregivers. Sometimes the best option is to have someone come to your home. Your child's age and personality, your views regarding discipline and your cultural background can help narrow your choices.
Step 2
Ask your friends or neighbors about their experience and for tips on choosing quality daycare in your community. Your family physician, coworkers and even staff members at your neighborhood elementary school can sometimes offer insight and referrals to local daycare providers with good reputations and appropriate qualifications.
Step 3
Meet with the top two or three candidates on your referral list. Larger facilities may have a director and assign children to staff according to age. If so, ask to interview the director and anyone on the staff who will routinely interact with your child. For in-home daycare providers, try to schedule your visit when spouses and other family members are available to gain perspective on the home environment.
Step 4
Attend the first meeting without your child when possible so you can evaluate the situation without distractions. Once you have narrowed your choices, however, a second visit that includes your child can help you gauge his response and comfort level with the caregiver or facility. This also gives you another opportunity to judge the caregiver's qualifications.
Step 5
Write out a list of questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about discipline, procedures for sick or injured children, credentials or licenses the caregiver has and holiday policies that might affect your work schedule. Another important aspect of daycare includes opportunities for monitored play or art activities that enhance childhood development. Questions about television time, snack time and policies on naps will give you better understanding of what your child might experience on a typical day.
Step 6
Inspect the facility thoroughly and inquire about safety and security issues. Observe how the caregiver interacts with the children under her care. Check playground equipment for signs of disrepair, missing handrails or other safety concerns. Ask for proof of background checks on employees and make sure caregivers have undergone training regarding sanitation practices and basic first aid. Find out who monitors children playing outside and whether doors stay secured to prevent an "escape." Inquire about security measures for those times when someone else picks your child up. Kids Health recommends you hire nannies from licensed agencies since these individuals have typically undergone background checks and possibly some training in early childhood development.
Step 7
Engage your parental radar once your child enters a daycare or you hire a nanny. Pop in for random visits and ask for daily reports about behavior, activities, etc. Pediatricians note that infants up to 7 months generally adapt quickly to daycare situations, according to Kids Health. Toddlers and preschoolers might need longer to adjust and often express their displeasure with tears or pouting. However, if your child shows ongoing signs of distress, trust your instincts and remove him from the situation.
