Good Quality Child Care, How to find them? What should we look for?

[Kylia | Editor]

The thought of sending my newborn baby to daycare scared me so much. I was so reluctant to even begin the search, and once I finally took the plunge it took me months to finally choose a center to care for my son. I ran across so many issues with the quality of care and the facilities, I was started to think it was just a standard that most daycare centers lacked a certain "Clean" feeling that I was looking for.

And that's just the beginning, don't mention the lack of staff, small play areas and these places still had long waiting list.

I'm curious to know how picky other moms are when choosing a daycare center.

[Amy Silvernail]

I was so picky about choosing daycare that I began my own! I try to make my home daycare some place that I would feel comfortable bringing my child if I was in their shoes. Here is what I would suggest in choosing a provider: choose someone who keeps the number of children low, has experience and training/education, listens to your concerns, and allows you to be very active in the way they provide care for your child (wants you to feel comfortable with your child's care), and a good communicator (expectations are clear).

[Heather]

As a childcare provider myself, i feel that each family need to go with their gut feeling. NOT all center or in home providers are great for your family. I may be the best fit for others while I might not be a good fit for you! You have to go with what you feel is the best for your child too! When you mentioned lack of staff... that is a reg flag for me! How much attention and care is your child really getting then?

[Nikki Goethals]

I wrote an article recently on how to find great child care. Instead of repeating the main points, I'll just point you to it:

Guide to Finding the Perfect Child Care for your Family

Best of luck!

Nikki G.
Sun, Moon & Stars Child Care
Denver Child Care Examiner