Childcare Checklist: Find the Best Option

Most parents want not just safe childcare, but high-quality care that will help their children reach their full developmental and intellectual potential. Childcare is an enormous industry. With so many alternatives, there is a wide variation in quality among the offerings. Choosing the best for your child can be a daunting task. So how do you get started?

First, know your alternatives. Almost every community has several referral services that can give you lists of providers in your area (sometimes a fee is required). You can call Child Care Aware for a reference to local organizations that will help you find childcare providers (800-424-2246). Begin sorting through those centers that are close to your home on the basis of their characteristics. There are numerous quality indicators you can use.