How to Find the Best Daycare Setting: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing a daycare is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. Whether you're returning to work, relocating to the Augusta area, or looking for a better fit for your child, finding the right child care center can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to identify a daycare where your child will be safe, happy, and prepared to thrive.
Start With Safety
Nothing matters more than your child's safety.
When touring a daycare, ask questions such as:
How is the building secured?
Who is authorized to pick up children?
What emergency procedures are in place?
How are illnesses handled?
How are children supervised throughout the day?
A quality childcare center should welcome these questions and provide clear, transparent answers.
Observe Teacher Interactions
Curriculum is important, but relationships matter even more.
Watch how teachers interact with children.
Do they get down to a child's level when speaking?
Do they appear patient, engaged, and encouraging?
Do children seem comfortable and connected to their caregivers?
Research consistently shows that strong relationships between children and caregivers are one of the most important factors in healthy early childhood development.
Look Beyond the Classroom
A great daycare isn't simply a place where children are supervised. It should be a place where children learn, explore, and develop confidence.
Look for programs that support:
Early literacy skills
Language development
Social-emotional growth
Problem-solving abilities
Creativity and imagination
Independence
Children learn best through meaningful experiences, play, and positive relationships.
Ask About Communication
Parents deserve to know what's happening throughout their child's day.
Ask potential providers:
How do teachers communicate with families?
Will I receive updates throughout the day?
How are concerns addressed?
How are developmental milestones shared?
The best childcare centers view parents as partners.
Consider the Culture
Every daycare has its own culture.
Some feel transactional.
Others feel like an extension of your family.
As you tour, ask yourself:
Do I feel welcomed?
Do staff members know the children by name?
Would I feel comfortable leaving my child here every day?
Does this environment align with my family's values?
Trust your instincts.