June 23, 2025 | Subscribe to Our Family Fun Newsletter!
  • Subscribe
  • Join Our Facebook Group!
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
SouthFloridaFamilyLife.com – Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach

SouthFloridaFamilyLife.com - Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach

- Advertisement -

  • THINGS TO DO
    • Events Calendar
      • All Events
      • Free Events
      • Submit Your Event
    • Halloween
    • Winter Fun
    • Summer Fun
    • Family Travel
    • Family Fun
    • At Home
    • Sign Up For Family Fun E-mail
  • PARENTING
    • Education & Enrichment
    • Camp
    • Family Health
    • Special Needs
    • Technology
    • Words of Wisdom
  • LOCAL RESOURCES
    • Camps
    • Family Fun
    • Education
    • Health & Safety
    • Parties & Celebrations
    • Special Needs
  • ARTICLES
  • OUR MAGAZINE
    • Current and Past Issues
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Write for Us
    • Contact Us
  • ADVERTISE
  • SIGN UP FOR FAMILY FUN
HomeArticlesFinding the Right Daycare

Finding the Right Daycare

Published: October 30, 2024
By: Kimberly Blaker

Finding safe, suitable daycare is one of the more stressful undertakings parents of young children face.

Not only do you have to contend with the logistics, such as the convenience of location and hours of operation, but of utmost concern is the safety and development of your child.

National statistics on abuse and neglect by daycare providers aren’t readily available, but some experts estimate approximately 5% of child abuse and neglect cases occur in daycare homes and facilities. The following steps will help ensure your child’s safety and give you peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

FIND THE RIGHT DAYCARE

There are several things you should do and ask before sending your child to a new daycare.

Is the daycare licensed? Licensing is required in most states when a caregiver isn’t a relative, and the care isn’t provided in your home. Check the website of your state licensing and regulatory affairs department to look up daycare homes and facilities to ensure their license is current.

Is the daycare in compliance? On your state’s website, also look up the requirements for daycare homes and centers. Keep this information handy when you tour a home or facility, so you know whether the daycare complies.

The daycare tour. A tour of the daycare home or facility is vital to ensure your child’s safety, so don’t be shy, and ask for a full tour. As you look around, think of it as an inspection, and pay attention to the following:

  • Are all areas used by – or accessible to – children thoroughly childproofed?
  • Are there safety plugs in all electrical outlets?
  • Are stairways securely blocked off?
  • Do kitchen and bathroom cabinets have child locks?
  • Do exterior doors have safety locks up high?
  • Is there a pool or hot tub in the area? If so, is it entirely fenced off with a childproof gate?
  • Is there a fenced outdoor play area?
  • Is the home or facility tidy aside from a reasonable amount of toys?
  • Are the bathroom and kitchen sanitary?
  • Is the heating or cooling set at a comfortable temperature?
  • Are there adequate toys and equipment for the number and ages of children?
  • Do cribs, playpens, and other baby equipment meet safety standards?
  • Is the number of children present within the daycare’s license capacity? Does the daycare also meet the appropriate ratio of caregivers to children?
  • Does it smell clean? Or do you smell neglected diapers or cigarette smoke?
  • Are the children happy and content?
  • Is there ample play space?
  • How does the staff interact with the children?

The daycare interview. Take this list of questions with you and add yours as well. Childcare providers expect parents to have many questions, and a good provider will happily answer them.

  • What is the maximum number of children in your care at any time?
  • What are the age ranges of children in your care?
  • What types of activities do you do with them?
  • Are meals and snacks provided?

If so, what do they consist of? Also, what time do the kids eat?

  •  Can I drop in unannounced?
  •  How do you handle discipline?
  •  Do you ever take children in the car?

If so, are there enough child seats and seat belts for each child?

  • Are there other members living in your home or outside staff who will care for the children? If so, who are they and what are their ages?
  • How are naps handled?
  • What is the experience or education of the daycare provider and staff?
  • What is your policy when a child is sick?
  • Can I talk to the parents of other children in your care?
  • Is video streaming available so I can check in on my child on my computer or phone?

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family writer and online bookshop owner.

CONTESTS & PROMOTIONS

- Advertisement -

Previous

Give Back to Your Community

Next

How Your Child Can Become a Mentor

- Advertisement -

Join Our Facebook Group!

South Florida Family Life Parent Group
South Florida Family Life Parent Group

Private group

Join Our Group
Raising children in South Florida? We give parents and grandparents a place to connect and support each other, so we can all grow stronger together. This group is moderated by the staff of South Florida Family Life magazine. https://www.southfloridafamilylife.com

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Copyright © Family Life Media Group

Sign Up for Weekly Events Newsletter

X
X
We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience, personalize content, analyze site traffic, and serve targeted ads. Read how we use cookies and how you can control them in our Privacy Policy. By using our site, you consent to our use of cookies.I ConsentLearn More