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Whether you’re going back to work after maternity leave or financial circumstances force both you and your spouse to work, leaving your young children in the care of someone else for the day can be sad and nerve-wracking.

If you don’t have family members or friends nearby who can watch your child, you must find a daycare facility.

Daycare facilities vary greatly. Some are expensive and have a state of the art facility. Others are cheap and are run out of someone’s home. Ideally, you want a safe, reputable daycare that your family can comfortably afford. Finding this balance can be difficult, so here are some things to look for in choosing a daycare facility for your child:

The Credentials of the Owner and Staff

Research the experience and education of the daycare facility’s owner and staff. These people are going to be with your child all day, every day Monday-Friday. You need to be assured that you can trust them and that they know what they are doing. Do they have the required certification? Are they licensed? Did they get a degree in an area such as child development, from an accredited college? How many years of experience do they have working directly with children? Can they provide references and letters of recommendations?

preschool charlotte nc should schedule an appointment to talk directly with staff members and the daycare owner. Stop by for an hour or two and observe their teaching style and how they interact with the children.

How Long the Daycare Center Has Been in Operation

Is the daycare facility brand new or has it been around for a while? Facilities that are new will have little or no history to look into nor will there be much feedback, such as online recommendations or complaints. A facility that has been around for many years and that has a clean history and stellar recommendations are ideal. You’ll know that you’re putting your child in good hands.

The Daycare’s Reputation

While touring the facility, and speaking to the staff, talk to the other parents and ask them about what their experience has been like with the daycare, what they like and don’t like about the facility and why they chose to take their children there over other facilities.

Besides getting in-person feedback, look at any online recommendations and complaints about the facility.

Adult to Children Ratio

Is the facility adequately staffed? Too few adults present make it hard for safe supervision. The more adults present not only makes for a safe environment, but the children will more hands-on, personalize attention and teaching.

The Facility Itself

You have an immediate impression of the daycare facility as soon as you see the building. Is it large or small? Is it appealing or is the building exterior an eyesore? What about the landscaping? Is the grass cut and watered? Is the area picked up and free of potential child hazards? Besides it looking clean and professional, is it also welcoming and fun-looking? Is the backyard play area clean, secure, maintained and free of hazards?

The interior is also important. Is it clean, sanitized, organized, safe and kid-friendly? Is the facility in full state compliance for safety and cleanliness? Is the facility registered and licensed with the state?