How to Choose the Best Childcare for Your Child

Aly Hansen
Nov 18, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Jul 29

Young child at daycare practicing writing

When it comes to choosing childcare, the decision can feel overwhelming.

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is not only safe and well-cared for, but also in an environment that nurtures their growth and development. The quality of childcare can have a lasting impact on a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development, so it's crucial to find a setting that aligns with your values and your child's needs.

While early childhood education includes both daycare and preschool, there are a few key differences between the two and in this post we will focus specifically on childcare. We will explain why choosing the best childcare is so important, walk you through the key steps to take when evaluating childcare options and provide practical tips to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you're looking for a childcare for the first time or are reconsidering your current arrangement, the information here will guide you toward making the right choice for your family.

Why Is Choosing the Right Childcare So Important?

Did you know that the majority of kids under the age of 5 in the U.S. regularly attend some form of childcare or preschool?

Research has shown that quality early childhood care and education can have a significant impact on a child's long-term academic success, emotional regulation and social relationships. It can even have an impact on their adult health!

A high-quality daycare provides a safe, nurturing environment where your child can build essential social skills, learn early academic concepts and develop a sense of independence. By selecting childcare that suits the unique needs of your child and family as a whole, you are not only providing your child with supervision while you’re away, but also investing in their future.

Diverse children on outdoor playground at daycare

How to Choose the Best Childcare for Your Child

Choosing the best childcare is a process that involves careful consideration of multiple factors. A few of the most important things to evaluate when choosing childcare include:

1. Safety and Cleanliness

Your child's safety should be your top priority. A childcare facility should be clean, well-maintained and free from hazards. Before making a decision, be sure to visit the childcare in person so you can evaluate the cleanliness and organization of the facility.

Ensure that they have appropriate safety measures in place, such as:

Secure entrances and exits to prevent unauthorized access.
Childproof spaces including things like outlet covers, secured furniture and child-friendly safety gates.
Adequate staff-to-child ratios, as too many children per caregiver can compromise safety and potentially violate state licensing regulations.
First-aid supplies and staff trained in CPR and emergency response.

Make sure the childcare has clear emergency protocols, and ask about their procedures for reporting injuries or incidents.

2. Staff Qualifications and Experience

The staff at the childcare center are the people who will be interacting with your child daily, so it's crucial that they are qualified, experienced and passionate about caring for your child.

When evaluating staff, consider the following:

Education: Look for caregivers who have training in early childhood education or child development. Many childcare centers require their staff to have at least basic certifications in these areas.
Experience: Ask about the staff’s experience with children of your child’s age. Having a caregiver with experience in infant or toddler care can make a difference, especially when it comes to emotional and developmental support.
Background checks: Ensure the daycare conducts thorough background checks on all employees, including criminal history and child abuse clearance.

During your visit, observe how the staff interact with children. Are they attentive, warm and engaged? Do they seem to be actively promoting learning or simply supervising the children? The quality of care your child receives is directly influenced by the abilities and attitude of the caregiver.

3. Curriculum and Educational Activities

While all childcare centers provide basic care, many also offer structured programs designed to support early childhood learning in specific ways. If you're seeking childcare that emphasizes early education, you'll want to ensure that the schedule and curriculum aligns with your values and expectations.

Ask about:

Age-appropriate learning activities: A good childcare should provide opportunities for children to explore age-appropriate academic concepts (such as numbers, letters and shapes) and skills (like fine motor skills, listening and following directions).
Play-based learning: Look for childcare that balances structured activities with time for free play. Research shows that unstructured playtime fosters creativity and social skills.
Social-emotional development: Check whether the childcare includes activities designed to build your child's emotional intelligence, such as learning to share, take turns or express their feelings appropriately.

Each child learns differently, and a daycare with a well-rounded curriculum can support your child's individual needs and developmental stages.

4. Environment and Facilities

The physical environment of the childcare is just as important as the staff and curriculum. The childcare should be a warm, welcoming and stimulating place for children.

Key aspects to consider include:

Indoor space: The rooms should be well-lit, spacious and organized. Look for age-appropriate furniture and learning materials. The environment should encourage exploration and interaction.
Outdoor space: If the childcare has an outdoor play area, check that it is secure, well-maintained and offers appropriate play equipment for children of varying ages.
Cleanliness: The childcare should be free from clutter, with clean toys, changing areas and restrooms. High standards of hygiene are essential, especially in settings with young children.

It's also worth considering how the childcare accommodates special needs, such as allergies, dietary restrictions or developmental delays.

5. Communication with Parents

Good communication between parents and daycare staff is key to a successful partnership. A childcare that keeps you in the loop about your child’s progress, behavior and daily activities will give you peace of mind.

Look for daycares that:

Provide regular updates: Ask if they send daily reports or photos about your child’s activities, meals, naps and milestones. Some daycares also offer online platforms or apps for real-time communication.
Hold parent-teacher meetings: These meetings help you stay informed about your child’s development and address any concerns.
Are reliable and trustworthy: Are they easy to get in touch with? An important sign of a reliable facility is that they are responsive and easy to reach from the start.

6. Location and Hours of Operation

The location and hours of the daycare are practical considerations that can impact your daily routine. Are you specifically looking for the best childcare near you, or are you willing to travel farther for the right facility? Consider the childcare's hours as well.

Ask about:

Scheduling needs: Your schedule may require things like full-time childcare, part-time childcare, non-consecutive care days or even daily drop-in options. Are they able to accommodate your unique needs?
Hours of operation: Are they open at times that fit your schedule?
Flexibility: Do they offer flexibility in case of emergencies or last-minute schedule changes?

Some childcares offer extended hours or weekend care, which could be useful if you work non-traditional hours.

7. Cost and Payment Structure

Daycare costs vary widely depending on the location, the age of your child and the level of care provided. Be sure to understand the pricing structure, including any fees such as registration fees, materials fees or charges for extended care.

Ask about:

Rates: What is the weekly or monthly cost for your child’s care? Are there discounts for siblings or long-term care?
Payment schedules: Some childcare require upfront payments, while others may have monthly or per-visit fees. Be sure you understand the payment terms and deadlines.
Refunds and cancellations: Understand the childcare's policy on cancellations, refunds and holidays.

Group of children blowing bubbles outside at daycare in Utah

5 Final Tips for Choosing the Best Childcare

Start Early: High-quality daycare spots can fill up quickly, especially in busy urban areas. Start your search early to ensure you have plenty of time to evaluate your options and secure a spot.
Trust Your Instincts: After visiting a daycare, ask yourself how you feel about it. Your gut reaction can provide valuable insight into whether the facility is a good fit for your family.
Talk to Other Parents: If you know other parents who have children at a particular childcare, ask about their experiences. Testimonials, reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can provide helpful insights.
Consider Your Child’s Needs: Every child is different. Consider your child’s temperament, health requirements and developmental needs when selecting a childcare.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the childcare staff about anything that concerns you, from their qualifications to their policies on screen time. The more informed you are, the better decision you can make.

Conclusion

Choosing the best daycare for your child is an important decision that requires careful thought and planning. Focusing on things like safety, staff qualifications, educational opportunities and communication will help you make a choice that will benefit both you and your child.

Remember that finding the right childcare is not just about convenience or cost—it's about choosing an environment where your child can thrive and grow. Take your time, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. With the right childcare, your child will have the foundation they need for a happy, healthy childhood!

About Us

Lollipops Early Learning Center is a licensed childcare center in Utah with seven locations throughout northern and central Utah. We proudly go beyond basic health and safety requirements to provide a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment which supports the physical, social-emotional and cognitive development of every child in our care.

To learn more about our services or schedule a tour, send us a message through our contact form or call the relevant phone number listed below.

To ask general questions: (385) 333-7455

For questions regarding tours, enrollment, policies, etc at a specific location, please contact that center by using the number below.

Delta

351 S 100 W Rd, Delta, UT

(435) 244-2088

Mapleton

1497 W 800 N, Mapleton, UT

(801) 509-5411

Orem

380 W 920 N, Orem, UT

(801) 876-4103

Provo

1165 S 180 E, Provo, UT

(385) 396-7668

Riverton - 2700 W

2700 W 13279 S, Riverton, UT

(801) 877-1067

Riverton - Redwood (South Jordan)

11930 S Redwood Rd, Riverton, UT

(385) 375-7422

West Jordan

2722 W Brower Circle, West Jordan, UT

(801) 695-4881

Why Is Choosing the Right Childcare So Important?

How to Choose the Best Childcare for Your Child

1. Safety and Cleanliness

Ensure that they have appropriate safety measures in place, such as:

Secure entrances and exits to prevent unauthorized access.

Childproof spaces including things like outlet covers, secured furniture and child-friendly safety gates.

Adequate staff-to-child ratios, as too many children per caregiver can compromise safety and potentially violate state licensing regulations.

First-aid supplies and staff trained in CPR and emergency response.

2. Staff Qualifications and Experience

When evaluating staff, consider the following:

Education: Look for caregivers who have training in early childhood education or child development. Many childcare centers require their staff to have at least basic certifications in these areas.

Experience: Ask about the staff’s experience with children of your child’s age. Having a caregiver with experience in infant or toddler care can make a difference, especially when it comes to emotional and developmental support.

Background checks: Ensure the daycare conducts thorough background checks on all employees, including criminal history and child abuse clearance.

3. Curriculum and Educational Activities

Ask about:

Age-appropriate learning activities: A good childcare should provide opportunities for children to explore age-appropriate academic concepts (such as numbers, letters and shapes) and skills (like fine motor skills, listening and following directions).

Play-based learning: Look for childcare that balances structured activities with time for free play. Research shows that unstructured playtime fosters creativity and social skills.

Social-emotional development: Check whether the childcare includes activities designed to build your child's emotional intelligence, such as learning to share, take turns or express their feelings appropriately.

4. Environment and Facilities

Key aspects to consider include:

Indoor space: The rooms should be well-lit, spacious and organized. Look for age-appropriate furniture and learning materials. The environment should encourage exploration and interaction.

Outdoor space: If the childcare has an outdoor play area, check that it is secure, well-maintained and offers appropriate play equipment for children of varying ages.

Cleanliness: The childcare should be free from clutter, with clean toys, changing areas and restrooms. High standards of hygiene are essential, especially in settings with young children.

5. Communication with Parents

Look for daycares that:

Provide regular updates: Ask if they send daily reports or photos about your child’s activities, meals, naps and milestones. Some daycares also offer online platforms or apps for real-time communication.

Hold parent-teacher meetings: These meetings help you stay informed about your child’s development and address any concerns.

Are reliable and trustworthy: Are they easy to get in touch with? An important sign of a reliable facility is that they are responsive and easy to reach from the start.

6. Location and Hours of Operation

Scheduling needs: Your schedule may require things like full-time childcare, part-time childcare, non-consecutive care days or even daily drop-in options. Are they able to accommodate your unique needs?

Hours of operation: Are they open at times that fit your schedule?

Flexibility: Do they offer flexibility in case of emergencies or last-minute schedule changes?

7. Cost and Payment Structure

Ask about:

Rates: What is the weekly or monthly cost for your child’s care? Are there discounts for siblings or long-term care?

Payment schedules: Some childcare require upfront payments, while others may have monthly or per-visit fees. Be sure you understand the payment terms and deadlines.

Refunds and cancellations: Understand the childcare's policy on cancellations, refunds and holidays.

5 Final Tips for Choosing the Best Childcare

Start Early: High-quality daycare spots can fill up quickly, especially in busy urban areas. Start your search early to ensure you have plenty of time to evaluate your options and secure a spot.

Trust Your Instincts: After visiting a daycare, ask yourself how you feel about it. Your gut reaction can provide valuable insight into whether the facility is a good fit for your family.

Talk to Other Parents: If you know other parents who have children at a particular childcare, ask about their experiences. Testimonials, reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can provide helpful insights.

Consider Your Child’s Needs: Every child is different. Consider your child’s temperament, health requirements and developmental needs when selecting a childcare.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the childcare staff about anything that concerns you, from their qualifications to their policies on screen time. The more informed you are, the better decision you can make.

Conclusion

About Us

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