Begin by visiting several early care and learning programs. On each visit, think about your first impression and:

1. Look
   • Does the place look safe for your child?
   • Do the caregivers/teachers enjoy talking and playing with children?
   • Do they talk with each child at the child’s eye level?
   • Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within the child’s reach?
2. Listen
   • What does the child care setting sound like?
   • Do the children sound happy and involved?
   • What about the teacher’s voices? Do they seem cheerful and patient?
   • A place that’s too quiet may mean not enough activity.
   • A place that’s too noisy may mean there is a lack of control.
3. Count
   Count the number of children in the group, then count the number of staff members caring for them. Obviously, the fewer the number of children to each adult, the more attention your child will receive. A small number of children per adult is most important for babies and younger children.
4. Ask
   It’s very important that the adults who care for your children have the knowledge and experience to give them quality care. Ask about the background and experience of all staff, including the program director, caregivers, teachers and any other adults who will have contact with your child in the home or center.
5. Be Informed
   Find out about efforts in your community to improve the quality of child care. Is your caregiver/provider involved in the activities to improve quality?
6. Choose
   Consider your options: child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start, School Readiness Pre-K Program, school-age programs and Summer Camps.
7. Call
   Before making a final decision on a program, call to find out if that center has had any violations and, if so, what they are.
   

Consider Your Options

Your first question should be, "What type of care best meets my child’s needs?"

Several types are available outside the home and each offers its own benefits:

Child Care Center
This is care and educational activity offered to a group of children in a non-residential setting accommodating more than five children.

Child Care Home
This is care and educational activity offered to a group of five children or less in the home of a person who provides the care and is licensed.

Head Start & School Readiness Pre-K Program
These programs are open to children from low-income families and/or those with special needs. Programs are typically located on school campuses or in a community setting and generally follow the school-year schedule.

School-Age Child Care
These are programs for children ages 5 through 12 covering out of school time. These may be in schools, child care centers, family child care homes, youth organizations and faith-based organizations.

Summer Camps
These camps are offered in public and private settings including counties and municipalities. Licensing is not required.