How to Find the Very Best Daycare for Your Family

Choosing a daycare facility for a child is a tough decision for any parent. The thought of turning a child over to total strangers can be a terrifying experience. The good news is there are great daycare centers out there; you just have to know how to find them. With stories in the news filled with horrors about childcare providers, it makes sense to weigh your options carefully. If you know what to look for and what questions to ask, you can easily find a great facility to keep both you and your child happy and content. Any good daycare will offer a secure environment that is safe, clean, and offers interactive learning and play.

Getting Started

Before you call anyone for an appointment, ask for recommendations from friends, family, and co-workers. You will find people are more than happy to recommend a great center if they know of one. Along with those recommendations, do a search near your home. As you compile your list, ask yourself exactly what expectations you have in regards to education, safety, and location. Do some research about the local and state laws for daycare providers in your area. Most states have ratio regulations. This means there must be one caregiver per number of children. That number will differ for different age groups. Many states require a certain number of the staff to have formal education in childcare. A general rule of thumb would be to have one certified teacher per room or age group. For guidelines you can contact the National Resource Council for Health and Safety in Child Care at 1-800-598-5437. Their mailing address is: University of Colorado Health and Sciences Center at Fitzsimons, Campus Mail Stop F541, P.O. Box 6508, Aurora, CO 80045-0508. They can assist with licensing requirements for daycare facilities for any state.