How to Enroll a Toddler in Day Care

Deciding which day care to enroll your toddler in is not a decision you should make lightly. Whether your child is going to spend a few hours there each day or be there for a full workday, you'll want to ensure that you take all the proper measures to get your toddler enrolled in your chosen day care without running into complications.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask friends and family members if they have any positive recommendations for day care centers or in-home providers. It's also beneficial to know about negative experiences others have had in order to make an informed decision. Look for a day care certified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

    • 2

      Contact prospective day care providers to find out more about the enrollment process. Most providers also have websites where you can find more information, such as fees, policies and procedures and the ratio of providers to children.

    • 3

      Schedule a visit and ask the provider questions. Observe your surroundings to get a feel for the environment and be on the lookout for causes for concern. Get complete information about fees, sick policies, holidays and late pickup to ensure that the provider is able to meet your needs.

    • 4

      Fill out the enrollment application completely and pay the fee, if applicable. You might feel like you're filling out paperwork for hours, but the information is necessary for the day care provider to have while caring for your child.

    • 5

      Schedule a physical with your child's pediatrician to ensure that he has all the required vaccinations to enroll.

    • 6

      Follow up with the day care provider about the status of your enrollment. You might need to put in applications with multiple providers, especially if some add you to a waiting list.

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