Researching and setting up quality daycare can be challenging and time-consuming. This step-by-step guide is designed to help parents navigate the process. Also check our Daycare Recommendations.

When should I start looking?

The sooner the better! Most parents polled indicated that looking 3-6 months in advance was ideal. This is especially important for parents seeking infant daycare since this is more limited.

Where can I learn about available daycare?

Park Slope Parents has a listing of daycare sites on their website. The direct link is http://www.parkslopeparents.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&catid=28&Itemid=212.This “heavily annotated” site provides names of local daycares, contact information, and other details that will provide parents with an overview of some of the available daycares.

Another useful resource is the Bureau for Day Care in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. You can reach them by calling 311 or visit their website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/dc/dc.shtml. Anyone can review the licensing status of all daycares by entering the zip code for the site. Please note that unlicensed daycare centers can be shut down with very limited notice. It is highly advisable that parents choose licensed daycares. Another feature of this website is helpful links about choosing daycare and contact information for daycare referral resources.

One of the referral resources listed in the Bureau for Day Care website is The Day Care Council of New York. 

Parents can submit an online request for day care referrals within their neighborhood and surrounding areas using this link on the Day Care Council of New York website:

Word of mouth is another effective way to learn about daycare. Ask other parents to recommend daycares. Sometimes, a referral from another parent will expedite the process of securing daycare.

I found some leads for daycare – now what?

The best way to start is to call the daycare places that interest you and ask to set up visits. It is advisable to visit as many places as possible and to explore a wide range of options, i.e. large day care centers, home-based day care centers, cooperative daycares, etc. The goal is to learn about what is available so you can make an informed decision. Don’t be discouraged if you leave a message and don’t get an immediate response. You may need to follow-up on a regular basis in order to speak to someone in charge.

When I called to set up a visit, I was told that there is a six month waiting list!

This is very common, especially when trying to find infant care. Remember that many parents place their names on numerous waiting lists and then drop off as they narrow down their choices. Your goal is to also place your name on waiting lists for prospective daycares, so don’t let the waiting lists deter you from pursuing a daycare option.

I am scheduled to visit a daycare. What should I look for while I am there?

First and foremost, when visiting a daycare, tune into your intuition and trust your gut. Most parents polled indicated that they captured “a vibe” when visiting a daycare.

Start by envisioning yourself leaving your child at this daycare each day. How do you feel? Are you comfortable with this idea?

Observe the kids at the site: do they seem content? Are they being closely monitored? Are they receiving warmth and love from the caretakers? How do they interact with each other?

Check out the space: is it clean? Is it bright, cheerful and welcoming? Where do the kids eat, sleep, and play? Ask to see the diaper changing area and bathroom for older kids. Are there lots of toys? Are there a variety of age-appropriate toys? Are they within reach of the children?

Look at the staff: do they seem to genuinely enjoy being around children? How do they interact with the children? Do they have a sense of professionalism about their jobs?

Go outside: is there an outdoor play space? What types of toys are available for outdoor play? Is it secured from outsiders?

Think about the location: is it easy to get there from your home? Can you imagine traveling back and forth from this daycare on a regular basis in various types of weather?

Spend as much time as you need to do your own assessment. If necessary, make a second visit or send your significant other or someone in your support network to make their own observations. Also, if you happen to see other parents during your visit, be sure to pull them aside and ask for their opinion.

What questions should I ask?

There are numerous questions that could be asked. It is best to prepare a list based on your child and family’s needs and concerns. The following are recommendations to consider when preparing questions for visits to potential daycare sites:

Philosophy/Educational Approach:

• What is the provider’s philosophy of care?
• Does the center follow a specified curriculum?
• Who develops lesson plans and what is that person’s training?
• Is hands-on activity encouraged?
• Is there a daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, quiet time and active time?
• Are the adults asking questions of the children and reading to them?
• Are the children taught the value of diversity through multi-racial, multi-cultural, nonsexist, non-stereotyping pictures, dolls, books and materials?
• Can the program meet any special needs your child may have?

Napping/Resting:

• Are there cribs for infants and cots or other rest spaces for older kids?
• Do some babies sleep in play yards or their strollers?
• What percentage of children nap during the rest hour?

Health/Safety:

• Is it a non-smoking environment?
• Are smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and escape plans visible in each room or area of the facility? Are there regularly scheduled fire drills?
• Are there child-proof latches for doors and cabinets?
• Are all hazardous items, such as poisonous substances, medications, and handguns locked securely and stored away from areas where there are children?
• Is the equipment safe?
• Are infants housed a separate location from older children?
• Are health records, including immunization records and emergency contact information, on file for every child?
• Are staff members trained in First Aid/CPR?
• Are there written policies and procedures for reporting accidents and other medical problems?
• Are there procedures for administering medication and treating illnesses and injuries?
• Are there hand washing procedures for staff and children?
• Are diapers changed only in designated areas and is hand washing required both before and after each diaper change?
• How would the center handle suspected incidents of child abuse by parents, staff or others?
• Are children supervised by adults at all times, specifically to and from bathrooms, the water fountain, and other classrooms? Are children granted privacy when using the bathroom?
• Are children released only to authorized persons?
• Where would children be taken in a city-wide emergency?

Recreation/Celebrations:

• Do children leave the center for field trips or walks? How often? How are they transported and supervised on these outings?
• Do they allow children to watch videos? If so, how often?
• How are holidays celebrated/acknowledged?
• How are birthdays handled?

Parent/Caregiver Interactions:

• May parents enter the facility at any time?
• Are teachers and the director regularly available for consultation?
• How are problems and concerns with a child handled?
• Is there a parent board or advisory committee? If yes, what is their role?
• Do parents assist in classrooms or participate in center activities such as fundraising? Is this required or voluntary?

Daycare Staff:

• Are staff state certified or registered?
• What is the educational level and training of caregivers? Of the director?
• What is the ethnic and gender breakdown of staff?
• Are staff required to have physical examinations before they are hired?
• Are background checks made on all staff before hiring, including any history of physical and sexual abuse?
• Do the caregivers share your views on discipline and praise?
• What is the annual turnover rate for caregivers? Why do caregivers leave?
• How does pay compare to that at other area centers? Are health benefits provided to staff?
• Does staff receive ongoing training?
• What is the child/staff ratio for your child’s age and for age groups which your child may move to?
• Are the stated number of staff in the classroom at all times or do they have non-classroom duties or work shifts?
• Are substitutes hired when staff are sick or on vacation?

Meals/Snacks:

• Are meals and snacks provided to the children as part of the fee or are they extra?
• What are the menus like? Are the meals and snacks nutritious?
• Are special provisions made for or allowed for children with dietary restrictions?
• Are children occasionally allowed or encouraged to participate in food preparation?
• Are children required to eat all meals and snacks or to eat only when they’re hungry?

Daycare Hours/Late Policies/Closures:

• What are the daily hours of the daycare center?
• Are there penalties for picking up your child late?
• Is there a phase-in period or transition plan to ease the child into daycare?
• When will the daycare be closed, i.e. holidays, professional development days, seasonal breaks, etc?
• What is the closure policy for inclement weather?
• What is the policy for bringing sick children to daycare?

Fees:

• What are the fees for daycare?
• When are the fees due?
• How are parents billed?
• Are there “sibling” discounts for enrolling more than one child in the daycare center?

In addition to the above questions, it is recommended that you request the following information (if available) in writing:

• parent handbook
• daily schedule
• food menus
• newsletter
• rules and regulations
• contract with parents
• fees and payment policies
• disciplinary policy
• scrapbook illustrating daily activities/special occasions
• references of past and current parents

I’ve visited some daycares and narrowed down my choices – what are my next steps?

Once you develop a short list of daycares, it is time to place your name on the waiting list. It is best to make this request in writing, either by sending an email or a letter. This way, your placement on the waiting list is well documented. Be sure to follow-up on your placement on a regular basis. It is possible that you will be #10 on the list one month and move up to #1 the following month due to children who have been placed at that site or opted for another daycare.

Ask the director to give you an anticipated start date or propose a start date and ask if your child can enroll at that time. If there is a slot available at that time, you may need to pay a deposit to hold that slot for your child. These deposits range from a one-time fee of $100 to a full month’s fee. All deposits should be refundable with notice. Make sure you are clear about any refund policies, i.e. if a daycare center requires 60 days notice for a refund, it is advisable to make a note of this on your calendar.

Is part time daycare available?

This varies depending on the daycare. It is important to ask about the availability part time and flexible daycare schedules up front.

How much does daycare cost?

Although daycare costs less than hiring a babysitter or nanny, many parents experience sticker shock when they hear the fees. Most centers charge less per hour as the weekly hours increase. Therefore part time daycare costs more per hour than full time. Hourly rates range from $6.00 - $10.00 per hour. The average full time daycare (i.e. 40-50 hours per week) will likely cost around $1200 - $1500 per month, but there will be variances and it is best to request information about fees in writing.

Are there other fees associated with daycare?

Most daycares require that parents provide diapers, wipes, and food for babies who do not yet eat table food.

How can I save money on daycare costs?

The best way to lower daycare fees is to send your child part time. Although part time daycare is harder to secure than full time, if parents start researching early they may be able to secure a part time slots. Some parents decrease time in daycare by staggering their work schedules, so that one parent drops-off the child and the other does the pick-up. An example of this is having one parent drop off the child at 9am and then work from 10am-6pm and the other parent work from 8am-4pm and pick up the child at 5pm. Schedules can be even more staggered based on the commuting distance for each parent or if one or both parents can telecommute from home.