choosing a daycare is stressful
For some parents, daycare is a choice. For others, it’s a necessity. For all, it’s a place where safety and care are paramount.
So where do you begin when choosing a daycare for your little one(s)? We broke down several steps that we wish we’d known when embarking on this journey.
start early
Many quality daycares will run on a wait-list basis. That means as soon as you know you’ll need to find a daycare, move quickly in beginning your search.
Most daycares offer a refundable wait-list deposit, and you are free to put your name in at as many daycares as you’d like.
Determine your budget
The average cost of daycare varies from state to state, but it’s a safe bet to assume you’ll spend anywhere from $10-15k a year, or between $830 and $1,250 a month. Before you begin your search, determine what you’re able to allocate to daycare costs so you’re not swayed into spending more than you can reasonably afford.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH STATE REGULATIONS
It’s not sexy reading, but the more you know about your state’s standards for daycare, the better equipped you’ll be to ensure your child’s wellbeing as you dive into daycare searching. The National Database of Child Care provides regulations per state, including general mandates and assistance programs.
schedule a tour
First impressions are important, so pay attention. Note things such as the cleanliness of the facility and how attentive the staff is with the children.
PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS
Determine what’s most important to you, and create a series of questions that will help you determine whether a daycare is right for you/your child.
Examples:
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
What are your safety protocols for the school?
What does a typical day’s schedule look like?
How communicative are the teachers? (ie: how will I receive updates, pictures, etc.?)
Do you provide food? If so, what is the food menu?
What is your educational curriculum?
How much outdoor time will my child get?
For infants, you can ask questions such as:
What is the infant sleeping set-up?
How much tummy time will my child receive?
How often will my child’s diaper be changed?
Ask around
Referrals are a fantastic way to feel more confident in your decision. Speaking with parents who have experience with the daycare will help give you a more honest, complete picture. And, while Googling schools isn’t the most scientific approach, know that organizations can’t curate their Google reviews. So if you’re seeing a constant theme of negative reviews on a daycare, it’s a possible indication that they may not be the best fit.
In short: do your research, trust your gut, and be your child’s advocate to ensure they’re happy, nourished, and safe in their daycare.
