How to Evaluate Daycare Providers When Visiting Their Facilities

Create a list of questions and concerns before leaving home. Write out each question, leaving space for notes, and make one copy for each provider you'll visit. Plan to ask about the ratio of adults to children, the total number of children in each class, the daily hours and holiday schedule, fees, sick-day policies and anything else that concerns you.

Research the provider's certifications. Look for documentation hanging in central areas proving that the center has passed city or county safety inspections and has been licensed by the state. You may also research the center's standings by contacting your local department of family services. Ask the provider whether the center has been accredited by an organization like the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care: according to ChildCareAware.org, being accredited by these groups means the center has met high quality standards.

Ask for a tour of the facility. Look for dirty surfaces and possible hazards like plastic bags left on the floor, hot beverages left within reach of children and unlocked doors to the outside. Inspect playground equipment for rusty pieces, sharp edges and peeling paint. Look at the demeanor of children at the center; in a high-quality setting, children should look engaged and comfortable, rather than wandering around bored or being ignored while distressed.

Pose some what-if questions during your tour. The provider probably has standard-issue responses to some of your basic questions, but these queries will put her on the spot and allow you to evaluate how she handles problems. Ask questions from your child's real-life experiences; for instance, "What would you do if Mya cried for an hour straight?" or "How would you handle Mya if she refused to eat her lunch?"

Talk to each staff member who will work with your child. Ask her about her experience working with children, her first-aid and CPR training and whether she has any child-development education. Find out for how long she's worked at the center and ask why she works there. The ideal candidate will be not only be experienced with first aid and young children, but will show a genuine interest in and love for kids.

Sit down with the provider to ask any questions that weren't answered during your tour. Ask her to go through a typical daily schedule, including meals, snacks and rest periods. Consider how the center's schedule will suit the schedule that works best for your child, especially if you have an infant or toddler who needs to eat, be changed and nap at particular times.