Approximately 70 percent of parents rely on a home-based or facility-based center to provide daily child care, according to KidsHealth. If you need to leave your children in a day care facility while you're at work or honoring other commitments, ensure the location meets your family's needs. Whether you're placing children with a nanny in her home or opting for a larger, school-type setting, choose the option that will keep your children safe, secure and stimulated.
Step 1
Interview the day care facility owner to ensure the center's fees, activities, discipline policies and meal programs meet your expectations. KidsHealth recommends talking to other parents to hear recommendations and warnings when choosing day care or a caregiver for your children.
Step 2
Ask about the child care center's accreditation to ensure it's properly licensed and to determine whether it has received any additional certifications. Groups such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children offer accreditation to centers that meet or exceed early childhood education standards. Colorado State University Extension also recommends uncovering any complaints from clients or neighbors that can reveal licensing violations.
Step 3
Research the background of caregivers who will interact with your child. The Yale University Office of Human Resources' Worklife Program notes that an outstanding facility will feature staff members with experience in early childhood education and childhood development.
Step 4
Study the potential day care center's safety policies. The Your New Baby website of the University of Illinois Extension suggests touring the center to determine if it features adequate baby proofing, such as childproof gates; toddler-safe toys; posted emergency plans; and safety latches on drawers, electrical outlets and doors, for instance. Inquire about the facility's policy on hand washing, sanitation and keeping sick children at home while they're contagious.
Step 5
Read the child care center's policies to ensure the available hours meet your scheduling needs. In addition to determining if the center has penalties for holding children after hours if you're running late, KidsHealth recommends asking about the center's holiday closure dates and if parents are allowed to visit throughout the day.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit potential child care facilities at different times of day to get a better indication of the center's tone and the interaction between the children and caregivers. The Yale University Office of Human Resources' Worklife Program notes that merely dropping in at the beginning or end of the day may give you an inaccurate glimpse of the center's activities and atmosphere since those may be the two most hectic times of day.
- Selecting an inferior or potentially unsafe child care program simply because it suits your budget may result in an unsatisfactory child care situation. Colorado State University recommends finding a program through referrals from friends, family members, pediatricians or community children's groups. Ask social services offices or the day care facility if your family qualifies for a discounted rate or financial assistance.
