5 Legal Tips to Help Pick The Right Daycare

If you have children or you’re expecting, inevitably the subject of finding the right child care provider will come up. There are a lot of different aspects to consider when searching for a daycare that’s right for your child and you. One angle that’s definitely worth considering is the legal perspective. But why does that matter? Yellow Brick Road is here to help you find the best possible child care for your family. 

On the one hand, the vast majority of daycare centers are staffed with great people, smart professionals who want the best for the kids under their care. However, we’ve all heard and seen media reports of child care facilities where children suffered neglect or abuse. Every parent wants their kids to stay safe, and part of keeping them safe is preparation. Ideally, you should start your child care search 6 months before you actually need it. This allows you plenty of time to do your due diligence, and measure the pros and cons of potential centers. Plus, competition for spots in a center can be fierce, and you don’t want to find “the one,” only to discover that they’ve been booked out for weeks. Here are a few legal tips to think about while choosing the right daycare:

Government Resources

While you’re doing your research, don’t forget that you have the option to turn to your state and local government. Many states offer free resources to help parents find child care providers. Over half of those states also have inspection and monitoring reports posted online of child care centers. Since your tax dollars help to fund these programs and services, it’s wise of you to take advantage of them. Furthermore, having an objective view point can be critical initially, that way you are not able to be persuaded into a difficult situation that tugs at your emotions.

Credential Verification

Professional child care is a much more difficult and rigorous job than many people think. As a parent, you want the best for your kids. Either online or while you’re touring facilities, check the qualifications of the daycare. Are they licensed and accredited by local and state authorities? What kinds of training and experience does the staff possess? A quick internet search will also provide you with any complaints filed with the state against the daycare.

Review Their Reviews

Take the time to also investigate the reputation of the childcare center. You can view review sites online and get opinions from other local parents. When you’re visiting the daycare center you can also ask other parents about their experiences. The center should be willing to provide you with the names and contact information of current clients that act as referrals.

Personally Tour

After you’ve done your research online, it’s time to take a tour of the daycare itself. Pay attention to how the teachers and staff interact with children. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, and be sure to ask about policies such as regular activities, discipline, naptimes, food, or television. Take the time to thoroughly check the premises out, and the same goes for a daycare operating out of a private home.

Trust Your Gut

Finally, trust your intuition. If you’ve settled on a facility, but something just doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to change your mind. The relationship between caregiver and parent should be all about trust. If you’re not 100% there, don’t worry about offending anyone. You’ll eventually find the child care center that meets the needs of both your child and you.

At Yellow Brick Road, we are verified and passionate about providing a trustworthy child care center for your little ones. Using the Gold Curriculum, we work with each child individually, ensuring their needs are met. Our team is equipped and experienced with all ages, including infants. Trust your child to a provider who cares about your child uniquely and intentionally. Enroll today at one of our two convenient locations and join the Yellow Brick Road family.