One of the greatest challenges facing you, as parents today,  is the search for quality early care and education.   You are looking for the very best.   You are looking for a place where you know your child will be safe and where people you know will care for and nurture them.   You are also looking for opportunities for play and activities which encourage your child to explore, discover and learn. 

When choosing early care and education, it is important to visit the programs that you are considering. Keep the following in mind:

▪ Arrange a tour of the program first.  Make it clear that you would like the opportunity to observe  as well as to ask questions about the program and speak with the caregivers.  Take this guide and use it to evaluate the programs you are visiting.

▪  If you are interested in the program,  arrange a visit with your child.   Watch how your child responds to the program as well as how the caregivers respond to you and your child. 

Recent research  has shown that young children thrive in early care and education settings that meet a “quality” standard.   This guide has been designed to highlight quality indicators in programs caring for infants and toddlers. 

 Click here for "A Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care for Infants and Toddlers"