This subject is always a key one circulating mom conversation? Which daycares are “good”? What do I look for? What should I be asking? As an Early Childhood Educator and a parent, I always suggest people take their search for care right down to the basics. Rather than looking for the newest facility, the most popular centre or the trendiest toys, I have a few simple recommendations for finding a comfortable “second home” for your child.

· Establish the type of care you want before you begin the search. Are you looking for 1 on 1 care? Do you want your child in a larger group atmosphere for the benefit of socialization? There are many different kinds of care out there so be clear what you want.

· When viewing a facility, look at the unspoken cues. This one has always been particularly important to me. Do the children appear happy? Engaged? Do the staff members look content as well? You can tell a lot about a place by simple observation.

· How does your child take to the environment? Obviously, it’s a new place so a little apprehension is natural, but are they more then expectantly cautious of the facility? May not be the place for them.

· Always go with your gut. This, to me is the ultimate decision maker. A facility can look beautiful and the caregivers can say all the right things but if it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not for you.

There are great daycares out there; it just requires a little searching. Find yourself a place where you can relax and know that your child is being well taken care of.