6 Expert Tips All First-Time Parents Need To Know When Looking For A Childcare Provider

Becoming a first-time parent means navigating a world of new experiences. New sleep schedules, new social plans, new baby gear all over your house... While all of these changes are major adjustments, they don’t tend to feel as daunting as finding the right childcare for your baby.

Learning to trust your baby to someone else is a monumental experience, whether it’s a few weeks after birth or beyond their first birthday. Having someone earn that trust takes research, tours, and thoughtful questions. But beyond that, it’s also important to consider things like the connection between home and school, and what your child’s daily routine will be. These details can reveal how well a care provider's values align with your own.

Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, says these deeper considerations can boost your confidence — especially if you start the search early.

“We never grow and develop as quickly as we do in the first 2,000 days of life,” she explains. “In these first five years, the foundations of all social interactions, communications, learning, and self-care are established.”

That’s why it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind. Below, Dr. Loquasto shares smart childcare searching tips, plus fills parents in on what they should look for — from curriculum to safety — when choosing a childcare provider.

Tip #1: Start Your Search Early

You can never be too prepared — especially when it comes to childcare. In high-demand areas, parents sometimes start exploring options even before conception, Dr. Loquasto notes.

“Generally speaking, however, exploring childcare options should begin during pregnancy if infant care is needed. Infant programs are small with limited slots, so it is important to get a spot reserved at your preschool of choice.”

Tip #2: Bring Curriculum Into The Conversation

An educational curriculum might not be top of mind when considering infant care, but Dr. Loquasto says it should be, seeing as learning begins in infancy. A strong early learning program can shape your child’s overall development as they grow.

“The Goddard School has an innovative education program called Wonder of Learning which represents the most current research on how children learn best with a strong embedded focus on academics, social-emotional learning, creative arts, music and movement, outdoor learning, and technology,” Dr. Loquasto says. The Wonder of Learning curriculum encompasses infants through kindergarten and is intentionally designed with the flexibility for teachers to tailor the instruction to the interests of the children in each class.

Tip #3: Keep An Eye Out For Health & Safety Practices

A huge part of making sure your baby is well-cared for is ensuring that health and safety practices are prioritized throughout the caregiving facility. “Health, safety, and welfare of children should always be the top focus,” says Dr. Loquasto. “The Goddard School knows that health and safety is first, and this is considered in every decision made at the school.”

As you tour, look around for health and safety measures (think: secured cabinets or first aid kit access) and ask direct questions like:

• “What measures do you take to keep children safe and healthy?”
• “What’s your protocol for an emergency?”
• “What is your cleaning/sanitizing protocol?”

Tip #4: Observe Teacher-Child Interactions

Since your child’s teachers will be the people responsible for their well-being and development when you’re not with them, it’s important to observe how they interact with other children in their care.

“You should look for happy, engaged children and caring guidance from teachers,” Dr. Loquasto says. “Happy teachers lead to happy children in a preschool.”

Tip #5: Prioritize The Home-School Connection

During this critical time in your child’s life, the best way to reinforce the care your child gets at school is to have open communication with your childcare provider. At The Goddard School, this relationship is key to a high-quality early childhood education that makes way for healthy, sustained long-term development.

“Investing in a high-quality early childhood education provider is investing in a strong foundation for your child,” Dr. Loquasto says. “Many developmental and learning domains have critical windows, meaning there are prime times to maximize these areas.”

Tip #6: Come Prepared With Non-Negotiable Questions

No matter how much you prep, looking for a childcare provider is still a lot of work. Save some time by having a list of must-answer questions ready to go as you call around and start touring. Here are some that Dr. Loquasto recommends parents ask:

• “Please share with me what my child’s day will be like in this classroom.”
• “How is your school’s educational program designed to meet the needs of my child?”
• “How will I be communicated with about my child’s day and about my child’s progress in your program?”

With answers to these questions, plus all of Dr. Loquasto’s expert advice, you’ll be well on your way to finding a childcare provider for your growing family.