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You’ve narrowed it down; now it’s time to choose a childcare provider. Obviously you’ve been searching for the best one possible, and with these simple questions, you can ensure that you are making the right decision about who will be watching your little ones(s)!

Learn about what your potential childcare provider focuses on. Is it strictly providing general care or are there developmental and educational factors that play into programs and classes that your child can be involved in? Decide if enrichment activities will benefit your child, as well as a center that provides a daily schedule or a more relaxed agenda.

It’s comforting to know who will be providing care for your wee ones. It also helps your child feel secure and reassured when they know who will be spending time with them during the day. Unfortunately, a lot of daycare centers have a high turnover rate. That doesn’t mean your choice center has to be one of them. Make sure to check out the turnover rate; usually high turnover negatively affects the center’s operation.

This includes cleanliness of the environment, visiting policies and overall supervision. Is there a security check-in and check-out or can people come and go as they please? Ask if the center has installed security cameras and webcam monitors that allow you to watch your children via the Internet. Also ask if you can review general safety protocols the staff members follow.

Parents and providers vary greatly with their philosophies of discipline so it’s vital to learn how your prospective childcare center approaches the topic. Most centers have its disciplinary actions outlined on paper. Make sure you are completely comfortable with what the center does and what is prohibited.

Sick policies are often different from center to center. Ask how they deal with children who get sick during their care and children who come to the center already ill. What precautions are taken to ensure the other kids don’t get infected? It is also wise to inquire about what happens when a staff member is ill and if the center provides a sick-care option with limited activity and isolation for recovering children.

Usually centers still charge when your child is out sick for a day or two but sometimes there are exceptions made for kids with extended illnesses. Make sure you get this information in writing from the center. As far as late pickup is concerned, most childcare providers won’t tolerate constantly tardy parents or pickups running later than 30 minutes beyond the closing hours. Figure out what type of monetary fees and policies go along with late pickups.