Tour Tips for Your Child Care Search

Will my child be safe here? Are the caregivers experienced? Does this feel like the right fit?

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Parenting comes with a steady stream of thoughts, questions, and goals about your child’s safety and well-being. If you’re ready to find the perfect child care center—you’re in the right place! We’re here to help you simplify the process.

Child care is one of the most highly researched decisions parents make during their young child’s life. And for good reason! Several important factors will help you narrow the possibilities, such as location, cost, schedule, and program availability. If an option remains on your list after meeting those essential requirements, it’s time to dig deeper.

Our best advice? Schedule several tours. First impressions and gut feelings go a long way. We invite you to visit our schools and any others you may be interested in. We want you to be as informed as possible, so you feel confident about your final choice.

Download our School Comparison Checklist to stay organized and note key differences. Ask lots of questions, notice how the children and teachers interact, and pay attention to the school’s vital safety standards, learning approach, health and wellness, and family communication plan. 

These things (and many more) will directly impact your overall experience. Hold each center to a high standard of excellence. You’ll also want to consider the center’s reputation, overall condition, staff credentials, etc.

You want to count on a nurturing team of early educators to help support and guide your child through their most formative years. These trusting relationships and classroom experiences will lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and valuable social-emotional growth.

It’s never too early to start. Many centers have a waiting list for certain ages and programs, so the sooner you begin touring the better. If you’re interested, be prepared to make a deposit and an enrollment commitment to save your child’s spot.

Best of luck in your search! Your peace of mind is worth the extra effort and time.

Additional Reading: Identifying Quality in Early Education