Parents typically face tough decisions when choosing daycare facilities for their children. While parents often have many competent, qualified facilities to choose from, they must consider a host of variables to ensure they're making the best decision for themselves and their families.
1. Location
For many parents, the decision of which daycare facility to use for their children comes down to location. Some parents want a facility close to their offices, while others want one that's close to home. If location is a significant concern, parents should also consider the proximity of a given facility to friends or family members who may need to pick kids up in case of emergency.
2. Reputation
Oftentimes, the best way to find a daycare facility is to speak with fellow parents. Whether their children are still in daycare or have long since moved on, fellow parents can be a great resource. Ask family, friends or neighbors with children which facilities they used and whether or not they would recommend them. Parents also can ask each facility they visit for the contact information of the parents of past and current enrollees.
3. Cost
Daycare can be expensive, and while costs vary greatly depending on where families live, parents can expect to pay a sizable amount for their children to be in daycare. According to the National Association of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies, parents can expect to pay anywhere from $3,582 to $18,773 per year on daycare for their children. When examining daycare programs, parents of very young children need to consider just how much their children will likely get out of a given program. Some expensive programs may be too advanced for infant children, while less costly programs may not offer enough to keep older kids stimulated. Cost should not be mistaken for quality, but parents should do their best to determine if a program will be worth spending more for or if a less expensive program will provide the stimulation their kids need.
Choosing a daycare facility is difficult, and parents should afford themselves ample time to find the right facility for their families.
