Choosing Quality Child Care

Determining what is best for you, your new baby, and your family can be overwhelming. Chances are you’re filled with more emotions than ever before, have countless decisions to make, and questions to be answered. One of the decisions you may be weighing is whether child care is right for your family. Selecting a trusted child care partner is one of the most important choices you will make for your new baby. You are looking for a relationship that will last years and provide the support you need to help your child begin a lifelong journey of learning. So how do you go about selecting the best child care for your baby?

The best way for you to make this important decision is for you to visit the child care centers and caregivers that you are considering. You may have to schedule an appointment. Do this early on in your pregnancy so you will have time to make a decision and possibly do subsequent visits. To help, a group of new and expecting parents have created a list of suggested questions to ask child care providers. Use this checklist below to ask questions and compare the programs you visit. Spend at least one hour observing at the facility and paying careful attention to interactions between adults and children. Once you feel that you have obtained adequate information about every aspect of the program, you will be able to make a decision about the best care and education for your child.

What to Look for:

• Do the teachers seem happy and engaged with the children?
• Do the children seem happy and comfortable in the classroom?
• Does the center have a secure entrance?
• Are all families and visitors greeted?

What to Ask:

• Will my baby be held a lot and have lots of “conversation” and physical nurturing? How will that happen without a one-to-one ratio? What if my baby cries?
• What kind of experience and training will the teachers in my baby’s room have? How long have the caregivers been at the center?
• Are all teachers CPR/first aid certified?
• What precautions have been taken to limit the spread of germs?
• How do you label/mark breast milk and formula? Can I bring in frozen breast milk?
• How will I know what my baby’s schedule — feeding, sleeping, and diapering — has been for the day?
• Will I get an update of what my baby has done that day? How will you communicate with me so I don’t miss any milestones?
• Can I call or visit any time I want?
• Will my child have one primary caregiver or many different teachers?
• Is there a process for preparing my baby and me for our first day at the center?
• Are there opportunities for parents to meet as a group?

Remember, the best early childhood programs are those that give children the foundation they need to build self-esteem, develop school competence, and reach for higher levels of learning. No matter what kind of program you select for your family, you and your child’s teachers can join in a partnership to enhance your child’s learning experience. By building strong home-school relationships from the start, parents and teachers can support children and prepare them for future success, both in and outside the classroom.

Information was provided by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, the leading provider of child care, early education and work/life solutions.