Now that you have decided that center-based child care is best for your family, you can begin your search.
Step 1: List Your Needs
To get started, make a list of the factors that may impact your decision. Determine what specific qualities are important to your family. Be sure to make list of the all the factors that may impact your decision. Is location or cost an issue? Are you looking for a particular program? Consider your values and beliefs. These factors will help you focus your search.
Next, think about what will be the right match for your child. And who knows your child best? You do, so use what you know about your child to match him or her to a suitable environment.
Child Care Aware and ZERO TO THREE have developed a great resource to assist you with selecting a child care setting to fit your child. Matching Your Infant’s or Toddler’s Style to the Right Child Care Setting provides guidelines on how to use what you know about your baby to select the right child care setting. Use the questions provided in this brochure to develop a profile of your child, and to learn more about the type of care that might best meet your child’s needs.
Click here (Right-click and select 'Save As...') to download a copy of the Matching Your Infant’s or Toddler’s Style to the Right Child Care Setting brochure (Published by Child Care Aware and ZERO TO THREE).
Step 2: Get Informed
Now that you have determined what is important to you, educate yourself on the characteristics of quality child care. One way, is to research and become familiar with state standards and regulations for child care centers. The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services ( PRS) is required to conduct a comprehensive review of the minimum standard rules every six years.
Click here (Right-click and select 'Save As...') to access the latest standards for the state of Texas.
Important things to consider include:
- What training does staff have in infant/toddler development?
- Are activities and schedules explained to my child?
- Is this caregiver able to accommodate the special needs of my child?
- Does the caregiver enjoy children?
- Am I welcome to drop in at any time?
- Will my child feel good about coming here?
- Is the environment sanitary and safe?
- Are the ratios and group size appropriate for my child’s age?
Click here (Right-click and select 'Save As...') to download a complete Child Care Checklist (published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
Step 3: Begin Your Search
Visiting and observing the child care center is a crucial part of the search. Use your list of factors to target your search. This can be done by conducting a search on our website. Enter your criteria and print out a list of your search results.
Start visiting child care centers of interest. Before you set out on a visit, please be sure to take the following resources with you:
- Your list of key factors
- Child Care Checklist
- Child Care Search Results
- Pen & Paper to take notes
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and trust your instinct.
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