Find the Perfect Day Care for Your Family

To choose the best care for your family’s needs, you must first know your options. Whether you choose the convenience of an in-home provider, or seek care outside of your home from a family home day care or child care center, research each type of child care to determine the option that works best for your family.

Parents, day care is for you too! The right place can offer parental support in a variety of ways. From providing expert advice on common parenting struggles to suggestions on how to enrich your child’s development at home, the experience of your day care’s staff is invaluable. Ask for advice, be open to suggestions and work as a team with whichever arrangement you choose, so you can provide the very best for your child.

Your fellow parents are your single best resource for day care recommendations. Don’t be shy! Ask your them about the quality of care their child receives. Inquire about what the day care is doing right, in addition to areas in need of improvement. Honest feedback from fellow parents can provide valuable insight to help narrow down your choices.

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Does your child require special attention? Do you, as a new parent, require a little extra support? Is your family facing unusual circumstances? Brainstorm your family’s care needs and discuss your list openly with potential day care directors. Honest communication is your best bet for fulfilling your family’s expectation for quality care.

Fancy new toys and modern design do not a perfect day care make. Don’t be fooled by appearances when choosing for your children. Remain focused on the leadership of the center’s director, the dedication and experience of the staff and the quality of expert care being provided.

It’s important to establish reasonable expectations for care in a group daycare setting. You should expect your child to be cared for in a safe and clean environment by trained and caring staff. You should also expect a daycare center to enrich your child’s social, cognitive, and emotional development. What you may not be able to expect from group daycare is highly individualized attention or flexible hours of care.

Psst! That still small voice inside matters. If you feel a twinge of doubt after touring a day care facility, don’t second-guess yourself. No one understands the needs of your family better than you do. Take this opportunity to listen to your gut and follow your parental instincts—they’ll serve you well!

Developing a partnership of care for your child is the key to establishing a successful relationship with your day care. When choosing a facility for your child, answer these questions: Are the workers interested in learning about your child? Have they inquired about your parenting style at home? Is the center committed to developing a partnership of care with your family to best serve your child?

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Experienced day care directors understand what a harrowing experience placing your child in their hands can be. If you’re feeling fearful at the general prospect, get to the root what frightens you most. Is it missing “firsts”? Potential injury or harm? Or simply not being there? Good day care directors can often help parents manage these common fears effectively.

Reputable day care centers adhere to established policies and procedures to effectively manage the quality of care provided. Take the time to carefully read and understand center policies and procedures. Feel free to ask questions and discuss the policies with your potential center director. Your agreement and understanding of regulations help secure consistent care for all.