by Kim Evans

Created on: February 25, 2005   Last Updated: November 08, 2011

Finding a suitable daycare situation for your child can seem a bit of a daunting task, but there are things you can do to put your mind at ease with regards finding a suitable solution. DO NOT just rely on asking questions......there is much more you can do.

Do not rely on talking over the phone alone. It is important to visit the centre and see what it is actually like. When you visit, go on your own. If you have a child with you, they may distract you from watching and listening to what is going on around. A second visitation can be arranged for you to bring your child(ren) to meet teachers and the other children. Try to visit after the class has settled down and make your stay last at least an hour.

Ideally, infants and toddlers should remain with the same group of children and teachers all day. Teachers should respond to and interact with the infants. Do they seem to take time for and enjoy interacting with the children? Do the children seem happy and engaged?

What is the background and experience of the staff? Ideally, they should have 6 - 18 months of training in child development, health and safety, or accreditation by a family care organization. Ask if family providers are licensed by the state and/or if the center is accredited by a professional organization. Check the infant-to-teacher ratio. For each adult, there should be no more than three to four infants or toddlers, four to six 2-year-olds, or seven to eight 3-year-olds. When you visit, ask if any children are absent that day, and include them in your count.

Sensory development should be encouraged. Are infants moved from one area to another to change their perspective? Are toys rotated? Are infants able to crawl and explore safely? Ask if there's a curriculum - even young children can benefit from one. Is television utilised as a substitute for more stimulating activities?

Are motor skills nurtured? There should be a different variety of activities that encourage grasping, pulling, and pushing. There should also be opportunities to promote hand-eye coordination (i.e. fitting objects into a hole in a box).

Observe the environment. Internally, look for soft floor coverings, such as rugs and cushions. The children should have lots of open floor space and there should be areas of the room that serve different purposes. Are there low, open shelves that let children select their own playthings? Externally, look for a variety of surfaces such as sand for digging, small hills, grass and paved areas for wheeled toys. There should be both sunny and shady areas, or equipment that can provide shade.

Look for and ask about safety procedures. In the event of an emergency, each staff member should have an assigned role. Check that emergency phone numbers, along with parent contact information, are posted in an accessible place, such as by each phone. Ask how often they have announced and unannounced evacuation drills. 

Other safety features to look for - are infants put to sleep on their backs (see for yourself and don't just take their word for it)? Are outdoor play areas fenced and secure? Inside, doors should be locked at all times and visitors should only be granted admittance by staff. Ask about how prospective employees are screened and once they are hired, what training is required.

Lastly, and most importantly, always check references. Ask the provider for names and numbers of other parents who have used, or currently use the center and talk to them about their experience. Even after you have started using your chosen solution, continue to drop in occasionally and check it out.

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