Tips for Choosing Childcare
Start Early – Start looking as far in advance as you can. Finding the right child care option can take some time, no matter what type of care you are considering – a child care center or family child care home.
Free childcare referrals by calling Smart Start of NHC Resource Room
910-815-3731
click images for links to resources
Visit and Ask Questions – Make sure you visit the child care sites you are considering. Think about what you saw at each visit, and make the best choice for your child and family.
Learn about the key indicators of quality:
- Finding Quality Childcare Guide
- Checklist for visiting a child care center
- Checklist for visiting a family child care home
Stay involved – Visiting and participating in events sends a strong message. It tells your child and your child’s caregiver that you think what your child is doing and learning is important.
- Have parent-teacher meetings regularly, and ask questions.
- Offer to volunteer time when needed, like participating in clean up days, fixing broken toys.
- Visit your child at child care and read a book aloud.
- Join in special events, like field trips, Career Day, African American History Month, or other holidays.
- Check in at drop-off and pick-up times
- Find out more about efforts in your community to improve the quality of child care. Is your caregiver involved in these activities?