Daycare: When Should You Start Looking?

Finding out that a child is joining your family is exciting! It can also be overwhelming. Something that many families don’t start thinking about until after baby is born, because they don’t realize the NEED to think about it sooner, is childcare. Many more children need daycare than in past decades, and unfortunately, they outnumber the spaces available. We have some tips to help you along in your journey to finding the best childcare fit for your family.

Start looking EARLY. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, or have an adoption in process, or know you’re starting a job- whatever the situation. It will definitely feel too early, but it’s not.

Look at as many options as you can. These can include traditional centers, in-home centers, Montessori, faith-based, school-based, family and friends.

Ask around for recommendations. Talk to family, friends, and co-workers to see what they had on their lists of “red flags” or “must haves”. Having their input is helpful, especially when it’s your first time looking at childcare. The decision about what’s best for your family is up to you, but having guidance is helpful.

Get on multiple waitlists. There usually isn’t a fee, and by putting your name on the waitlist at a few centers may give you a better chance at getting a spot when you need it.

Make Plans. It’s hard to think about things not going the way you want them to, but it’s important to consider what you would do if your child doesn’t get a spot at your preferred—or any--center. Have a backup plan in place. If you never end up needing it that is great! If you do end up needing it, then you’ve already taken the step of having one in place before crunch time.

Things to think about when exploring care options:

• Philosophy. Does the center follow any specific childcare philosophy: Reggio-Emilia, Montessori, faith-based, etc.? How strongly does the philosophy matter to you?
• Hours of operation. What hours are they open and do those hours work with your work schedules?
• Location. Do you want somewhere close to home, or close to work, or maybe in between?
• Cost. What is the tuition, how is it collected and when?
• Supplies. What does the center provide and what will you need to provide?
• Environment. What is the center environment like? Do you feel comfortable with the building, the atmosphere, the staff-to-child ratios, the staff themselves?
• Schedule. What kind of schedule does the center follow? Do they have a rigid, set schedule that all children must follow, or is it more general and child-driven? Are there rules around drop-off cut off times, pickup times, etc.?
• Policies. What are their policies for illness, late pickups, handling behavior issues, closing, etc.?
• Curriculum. Do they actively teach the children? If so, what do they teach?
• Reputation. Are you able to speak with any current families about their experience?

Ideally your family will land on a childcare option that feels like a great fit. Ultimately, a childcare option is not right for you and your child if you don’t feel comfortable with it. Search online for “state childcare resource agency” for additional assistance in choosing the right place for your family.