When it comes to choosing child care, it can be one of the most complicated and difficult circumstances for a parent to sort through. With so many factors and concerns about the safety and happiness of your child, it is no wonder so many parent find it nearly impossible to go through the process with utter confidence.

However, despite the emotional rollercoaster of having to hand over your child to the care of strangers, there are many things you can do to make the best possible decision for both you and your child when it comes to selecting the right daycare.

Here is what you need to know:

Round ‘Em Up

Before you make a selection of any kind, know what is out there. Hop online or start meeting with other parents who already have kids in care. Find out about the different types of facilities that are within your community or close to your work. Today, there are way more services available for child care than in previous years so cover your bases and know what is out there first. Are you looking for a free-play facility or something with structure to prep your child for school? Are you looking for a place that operates outside of your standard 8-5 workday? Figure out what kind of place you are looking for then make a list of several you’d like to learn more about.

Don’t Schedule a Visit

The best way for you to find out what a care center is really like is to show up without prior warning. Daycares who frown upon your unannounced visit may have something to hide. Of course, if it is nap time, visitors may not be as appreciated so keep that in mind. Take a look at what the kids are doing during that time of day and pay attention to how much care and supervision the children have. Is the place clean and orderly? Do the children seem happy and thriving? Your gut instinct will often indicate how you really feel about the environment within a few minutes.

Ask Questions

Before going to the visit, sit down and prepare a list of question you want to ask the provider, including our 5 must-ask questions for choosing the right daycare. Be sure to include any special needs questions that concern your particular child and then pose the following questions to the staff as well:

• What are the hours of the facility and what happens if I am late?

• What kind of activities go on during the day? Are there special events or trips for the kids?

• What happens in the event of a sickness or injury while in care?

• How much does it cost for a full-time (or part-time) child and what does full-time mean? What is included (meals, snack, sleeping mat)?

• Will I have to pay in full if my child is sick or we take a vacation?

• Are there other fees associated with extra activities or events? Are there fundraiser requirements?

• What certifications do the daycare workers have? How long have the staff been with the center?

• What do I need to provide for my child each day?

• May I drop in to visit my child at any time? Can I call for status checks in the beginning?

These questions and any others you can think of may help you choose one provider over the next. Again, your gut reaction will likely kick in and it is generally best to go with your gut.

Limited Resources

If you live in a small town and there are not many resources for daycare centers to choose from, visit the ones that are available and if you are not happy with what you find, consider finding an independent sitter during your work hours. Oftentimes, family members and friends will be able to introduce you to another mom or grandmother who is happy to keep 2-4 children during the day for a reasonable price. Be very careful with providers that do not technically need to be licensed through the state. Based on the number of kids they keep, care providers do not always have to operate to the same standards larger centers do. Unless you know the person who is providing independent care, get plenty of references and check each one.