Evaluating Your Childcare

Research says that quality childcare during the first few years of life is very important. However, trying to find quality childcare can seem challenging. What does "quality childcare" mean?

Experts point to many factors that define quality childcare. Accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or other national childcare organizations usually indicates very high quality childcare. Ask your childcare provider if they are accredited. Still many very good places may not be accredited. You can use the other indicators to decide if your childcare is of high quality.

Your childcare facility should encourage you to drop in and observe your child's care. If you think your childcare is inadequate, talk to the director about your concerns. If your concerns are not addressed, decide if they are serious enough to find new childcare.

In the end, one of the most important factors to choosing childcare is how you feel about the teacher. Do you agree with his or her approach to caring for children? Do you think they really understand and care about your child? Do you feel comfortable leaving your child with the teacher? Does your child like and admire the teacher? Talk to other parents and see if their impressions of the teacher are favorable.

Adapted in part from A Parent's Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care.