Choosing Childcare

No matter what type of care you are considering—a child care center or care in someone else's home—finding the right child care option for your family can take some time. Start looking as far in advance as you can. If you're a new parent or thinking about choosing a new childcare provider, here are some thing you'll want to find out:

• What will my children be doing?
• Who will be watching my children?
• What are the benefits of in-home care vs. center care?
• Are there openings?
• What are your hours for full or part-time care?
• Is there transportation for before or after-school programs?
• When are fees due? How much?
• Are there different fees for part-time or full-time care?
• Are there different fees for children of different ages?
• Do fees include lunch and or breakfast?
• Do fees include formula or diapers?
• Is there a charge when a child is sick or on vacation?
• Are there discounts for sibling?
• Are there extra fee—supply fees, picking-up late fees?
• Are there financial aid/scholarships?
• How many children are cared for and what are their age?
• How many adults are there per child?
• What type of education or experience do caregivers have?
• Is it OK to visit the site and when?
• Are you registered, licenses, or accredited? For how long?
• Do you have references?

Have questions to add to the list? Great! Make sure to take your time to ask your potential provider questions—make sure all your concerns are addressed before making a decision. The priority is your child's safety and wellbeing.  Child care that fits your family will help ensure that your child flourishes in their environment. Plus, trusting your childcare provider will make you feel more at ease when you are apart from your child during the day.