10 Factors for Choosing Childcare

Prioritize Talking to Other Parents

When we tried to find a daycare, I remember the most prominent advice I got was from other parents, and it was rather the insightful fact that they had already been through it. Their experience helped me dive deeper rather than being distracted by the superficial nature of different facilities.

For me, how the caregivers interacted with the children, how they spoke, and the overall atmosphere were key points. There was a place I went to that was Montessori-certified. On paper, it was fantastic—a good curriculum and an awesome facility—but something was off. The caregivers engaged less and from the short interactions I saw, I sensed a lack of warmth.

Conversely, at another center, when I called to find out what services they offered, the staff encouraged me to explain the details of my child and what I was hoping to get. In stark contrast to the other facility, these people did not just appear to go through the motions. It was not the most impressive center, but the people involved made all the difference.

Hearing from parents who had children in the center helped shape my thoughts even more. They described scenarios in which the caregivers dealt with difficult moments (for example, a child throwing a tantrum, or a child trying to adapt to a new schedule) and were willing to receive criticism. That was all I needed to choose this center.

My advice? Other than researching and visiting, I suggest you prioritize talking to other parents. They’ll provide you with insider information that no booklet or any sort of sightseeing can provide. And do heed your gut. It is more than able to find the most suitable childcare center; it is also necessary to search for the best one for your child.

Trust Your Gut Instincts

When we started looking for childcare for our daughter, I was overwhelmed. It felt like such a huge decision—entrusting someone with the most important person in your life. My biggest piece of advice? Trust your gut.

I remember touring a daycare that looked perfect on paper. It was clean, well-rated, and had all the certifications. But something felt…off. The staff seemed rushed, and when I asked about how they handled meltdowns, their answers felt rehearsed, not genuine. We decided to keep looking.

We eventually found a small home-based daycare where the caregiver greeted us with warmth and talked about her philosophy like she truly cared. She asked thoughtful questions about our daughter’s personality, routines, and even her favorite snacks. That personal touch sealed the deal.

For us, the most important factors were safety, open communication, and a caregiver who treated our child like an individual, not just another name on a list. Always visit in person, ask lots of “what if” questions, and observe how they interact with the kids. At the end of the day, it’s about finding someone who feels like an extension of your family. You’ll know when it’s right.

Align Values with Childcare

Reflect on the core values you want to pass on to your child and look for a place that aligns with them. That’s honestly the best advice I can give to any parent choosing childcare. After all, it’s a decision that can shape your child’s perspective—and yours—for a lifetime.

When my son was 2, I chose an integrated nursery because I wanted him to grow up in an environment that embraced diversity and inclusivity. As an incurable idealist, I believe that we can make the world a better place by teaching children that, while people may differ, everyone is equally important and valuable. That’s why it was essential to me that he learned tolerance, empathy, and the value of helping one another from a young age, both at home and in a nursery.

The decision regarding childcare choice has been one of the best I’ve ever made. My son loved his nursery from day one, and the inclusive environment not only nurtured his development but also proved invaluable when, at age 4, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The nursery’s qualified staff, supportive resources, and therapies provided him with the tools and care he needed right away. Their expertise and early intervention have made all the difference, giving us a head start in tailoring the support he needs during such a critical stage of development. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Observe Caregiver-Child Interactions

As a parent who has raised five kids, I can say that open communication and trust were at the top of our list when selecting childcare. My partner and I both worked full-time, so we needed a caregiver who offered not only safety but also a nurturing, stimulating place for our children.

What mattered most to us was safety, experience, and alignment with our parenting values. I was pretty careful to ask specific questions like, What were the routines, how were discipline issues handled, how were emergencies managed?

Watching how caregivers engaged with children gave us a sense of how patient and attuned they were. One thing that really stood out was when I witnessed a caregiver kneeling to engage with a child at eye level—this simple act beautifully demonstrated empathy and deep compassion.

Flexibility was another key consideration. With two careers plus five kids in play, we needed a caregiver who could adapt to the changes in our schedules while providing a steady figure in our children’s lives. My advice to new parents hiring care for the first time is to trust your instincts, vet references thoroughly, and look for someone who feels like an extension of your parenting philosophy. Childcare is not only an essential service—it’s a vital element of your child’s growth and development experience.

Focus on Trust and Communication

Choosing childcare is one of the most personal and important decisions parents make. My advice is to focus on trust and communication above everything else. While credentials and reviews matter, finding someone who feels like an extension of your values and priorities as a family is what truly creates peace of mind.

When my family was looking for childcare, it wasn’t just about finding someone qualified, it was about finding someone who genuinely understood and supported how we wanted to raise our children. We asked our potential caregivers how they would handle specific situations, like managing discipline or navigating big emotions. Their answers revealed whether they aligned with our parenting approach.

Life is unpredictable, and we needed someone who could adjust to schedule changes or unexpected needs with grace. Ultimately, finding the right childcare is about feeling confident that your child is in a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive.

Find Warm and Responsive Caregivers

Choosing childcare is a big decision! My advice is to prioritize finding a caregiver who is warm, responsive, and genuinely enjoys interacting with children. Look for someone who will nurture your child’s development and provide a safe and stimulating environment. When I was choosing care for my own children, the most important factors were the caregiver’s experience and philosophy around child development. I wanted someone with a strong understanding of early childhood education and a nurturing approach. A clean and safe environment, and open communication with the caregiver were also essential for my peace of mind.

Consider Child’s Reaction to Environment

My husband and I began our journey of choosing and sustaining childcare for our young children with very limited expertise. We certainly looked for a program that was near our home, announced potential vacancies and just felt right when we spoke with the leaders. Only once our experienced and very emotionally invested mother jumped into the hunt did we begin to see some truly important criteria.

As a caring mother, now grandmother, and a professional pediatric nurse, she got to work creating a selection of options along with comments that helped us see many more levels of assessment. We were evaluating the programs based upon our considerations, including the decor, the programming and even the meal preparations. She helped us place focus on our infant’s feedback. We learned to look at their reaction to the environment, using all their senses. Did they seem to react calmly to the colors and lighting, to the sounds of the children and team, and begin to express enjoyment in the activities?

We knew we found our ideal spot when the child crawled away from us to play with others and didn’t look back to confirm our presence. The first day’s report included a very reassuring report of their two calm and “normal” naps, a significant source of feedback that the comfort our child felt was fundamental to this selection. Now, five years later, both our children are alumni of the entire preschool program and we continue to visit, donate and express our appreciation.

Choose Licensed Childcare

When choosing childcare, the best advice I can give is to go for licensed care. It may feel like a leap, but unlicensed home-based care can be too risky. These centers aren’t inspected regularly, and unless a complaint is made, there’s nobody really checking in on their practices. While bad licensed centers do exist, I’ve found that there are fewer issues in those compared to unlicensed ones.

For me, a main factor was making sure the caregivers were professionals with the right qualifications. I looked for a center where the staff had proper training in early childhood development. Childcare centers need to have at least one Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) per room, and the staff must be part of a professional organization, keep up with development programs, and have first aid and food handling certifications.

One thing I highly recommend is to tour the center during the middle of the day. It’s easy to be impressed when the director has had time to tidy things up, but you need to see how they operate during busy hours. Are the kids happy and engaged? Are caregivers interacting respectfully with them? Are the toys and materials in good shape? I also looked out for signs that staff were distracted, like being on their phones, which could indicate a lack of focus.

The details can say a lot about how much thought goes into the care and experience of the children.

Emphasize Health and Safety Training

When selecting childcare for your newborn, it’s essential to choose a caregiver who can provide not only emotional support but also prioritize your child’s health and safety. As a pediatrician and neonatologist, I would emphasize several key factors to consider:

• Health and Safety Training: A caregiver trained in first aid and CPR is vital in case of emergencies. A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics found that caregivers with first aid and CPR training are better prepared to handle medical emergencies, which is particularly important for newborns.

• Vaccination Awareness: It is crucial that your caregiver understands the importance of timely vaccinations. Delays in vaccinations can put children at risk for serious illnesses. Research published in Vaccine emphasizes the need to adhere to recommended vaccination schedules to prevent potentially dangerous diseases.

• Open Communication: A good caregiver should maintain open communication with parents about the child’s health and any concerns that may arise. Regular updates and an approachable attitude help parents feel more at ease and reassured about their child’s well-being.

By focusing on these key factors health and safety training, vaccination awareness, and open communication you can make an informed decision that supports both your child’s health and your peace of mind.

Consider Location and Convenience

New parents who are looking for childcare should think about the location and convenience of the service. It’s one of those factors that might seem small at first, but it makes a huge difference in your day-to-day routine. Choosing a place that is close to either your home or work makes drop-offs and pick-ups easier and less stressful, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule.

You should think about how the location fits into your routines as well. If the childcare center is close to your home, it can be convenient for morning drop-offs or if someone else in the family needs to step in. On the other hand, if it’s near your workplace, it gives you peace of mind knowing you’re just a few minutes away in case of emergencies. You’ll also want to look at traffic patterns and how they affect your commute during peak hours. What might seem like a short distance could take much longer during rush hour.