Searching for child care can be a difficult process. There are so many factors to consider, and we know from research that cost is utmost in parents’ minds. However, we also want parents to be empowered to ask important questions before they select a child care program. Our publication Finding Child Care: A Guide for Families, contains a checklist for parents to use when they visit programs, focusing on factors such as relationships, group size, education and experience, planned activities, health and safety, assessments, respect for all families, and communication. It includes questions like:

• What is the turnover rate for the people who will be caring for my child?
• How do you deal with difficult behavior?
• Are there nap spaces for infants that follow safe sleep requirements?
• Will my child see their language and culture reflected in program materials, toys, and books?

Additional help for your child care search journey is always available through a simple phone call to our Child Care Information Services team at 888-291-9811.