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Choosing a Child Care Provider

Caregivers who build children’s self-esteem through warm, loving guidance are demonstrating quality care. Indicators of quality care include Group Size and Ratios (more about staff to child ratios...), Health & Safety, Provider Education and Turnover Rate, Accreditation, and Family Involvement. Look for experienced staff with training in Early Childhood Education and who are in on-going training. Low staff turnover is a sign of consistency and is important to children. 

The setting should be comfortable, clean, free of hazardous materials, and staff should use good hand washing techniques. 

Look for well organized rooms with separate spaces for messy artwork, make-believe, reading books, puzzles, and other games. Toys that can be easily reached by children and stored when not in use. Nourishing snacks and meals (if included in the care), and little, if any, use of television. Planned activities that include indoor and outdoor play, especially activities that help develop fine and gross motor skills, creativity, music ability, cognitive skills (identifying shapes and colors), and social skills are important. And a quiet place for naps.

Accreditation is a rigorous process that child care providers and centers can undertake. The standards may be higher than licensing standards, and having accreditation may indicate that a program or family child care provider provide care that is of higher quality. (for more information)
The provider should have an open door policy, be welcoming and communicate regularly with families. Ask about parent newsletters and opportunities to be involved with the provider or center.

Steps to take in choosing child care

Finding a child care provider can be a stressful experience. Our goal is to provide the information you need to make the best choice for you and your child. (Use our Find Child Care search, on the top right of this page.)

Here are a few steps that will help you through the process:

Start early. Give yourself at least three months, if possible, to find the right child care. Child care centers often have long waiting lists. Family home care may have more frequent openings.

Know what you can afford. Child care rates do vary. Our Rates & Aid page will give you an idea of care costs.

Make a list of things that are important to you and your child. The list might include where the program is, its hours, amount of outdoor space, and so on.

Screen potential caregivers on the phone. Have a list of questions ready in advance. For example:

"What are your hours? How many children are in your program; what ages? How many caregivers are on staff?"

Did they give you the answers you wanted? If so, you can make an appointment. During your visit, use a checklist to rate the program. Visit programs more than once and at different times of the day.

During your visit, use a checklist to rate the program.

The checklist includes indicators for quality care.

Checklist: Choosing a Provider (PDF)
Checklist:  5 Steps (PDF)

Once you've chosen, work closely with the caregiver to make sure your child enjoys the best child care experience. Talk often with the provider – ask about your child’s progress, what activities he/she enjoys, how well he/she gets along with others.