Child care is a way of life for most American families. In the 1970s, more than half of all children had a stay-at-home parent. This dynamic has changed as more women join the labor force.

In fact, nearly one-quarter of American children under five years old now attend an organized child care facility. This fact is not always easy for parents to accept. It is an emotional experience to hand off child care to someone you do not know well.

The best advice is to find a child care center that you trust. Read on to learn how to find the best child care. Explore tips for choosing a daycare that are certain to help you feel comfortable.

Do Your Research

Perhaps the most important step in the process is doing your research. You should not settle for the first daycare you see or the closest one to your house.

There are many resources out there to help you find quality child care services nearby. Click here for an example of how organizations help parents make informed decisions about child care.

The internet is a powerful tool in your search for child care. You can search a daycare online to read hundreds of reviews from current and former customers.

Social media is also a helpful asset in your search. You can seek recommendations from the community and receive referrals from friends and family members.

Schedule a Visit

The best child care facilities schedule a visit before making a long-term commitment. This allows you to get a feel for the school and teacher before your child attends. It also allows your child to feel comfortable touring the school with his parents.

During your visit, the teacher should walk you through a typical school day. He or she explains the routine including snack time, naps, group play, and more.

You should also inquire about the education curriculum. The best child care services are interested in educational development more so than babysitting.

Lastly, your visit allows you to ensure the facility is safe. When it comes to young children, safety is a daycare’s primary responsibility. Does the daycare have processes and tools in place to ensure your child’s safety?

Observe

Your job is not over once you choose a daycare. Instead, the next phase of observation begins.

You should carefully watch your child and his or her peers. Do the children look happy and comfortable? Are they being carefully watched throughout the day?

Another question to ask is whether they are developing on par with other children their age. This is a question you can ask the teacher and his or her pediatrician.

Choose the Right Child Care Center

Now you are ready to go searching for your child’s next school. Doing online research and scheduling a tour goes a long way to making your family comfortable.

It is also important to remain vigilant and observe as frequently as you can. If you enjoyed this article about choosing the right child care center, check out our blog for more great content.