The complete guide to
Daycare

Daycare is not only a place for kids to learn new skills, play and socialize, but it’s also a necessity for so many working parents. Once you figure out your care needs, learn about the different day care types and options. Then, start your search for the best one for your family.

The price of day care can be a shock to many parents, but that doesn’t mean excellent child care is out of reach. Check average daycare rates in your area with our cost of child care calculator. Plus, learn about the many ways to offset the cost of day care, too.

Once you’ve identified a few great options near you, plan an in-person visit to interview day care staff and tour the facilities. Main goals? Get to know the people caring for your child, see the classroom and play areas and get a feel for how the day care will care for and nurture your child.

Your child’s safety is of utmost importance. Use online resources like Care.com to find local daycares and see what parents say about them. And always check a daycare’s licensing information, verify that key safety measures are in place and trust your gut.

You’ve found the perfect daycare. Now, preparation is key for a successful transition. Prep your child (and yourself) for the first day. It can take kids at least a few weeks to adjust. Then, once you’re in a good routine, continue to evaluate their daycare experience by checking in with your child and staff regularly.