How to Choose the Best Preschool
or Day Care for Your Child

Are you concerned about getting your child started on the road to school success—and ultimately success in life—by choosing the best preschool or child care facility? Since there are so many child care providers competing for your business, do you wonder if you’ll know if you are choosing the best option for your child?

Placing your precious child in the daytime care of another person or school is certainly one of the most important choices you’ll ever make. Above all, you will want to know your child is safe, but you will also want him to be happy, nurtured and educated in a way that is appropriate for his/her age and development.

This parent guide is designed to help busy parents of children from birth to age five determine what your goals and expectations are for your child’s experience in a preschool or day care facility; know how to find state guidelines for the licensing of preschools and day care facilities; find further resources to help with the selection; and know questions to ask and what to look for when visiting and evaluating preschools and day care facilities – i.e. Is the facility licensed, accredited or both? What is their education philosophy? What is the training and experience of staff? Is parent involvement encouraged? This guide provides an entire interview form full of sample questions. Thousands of children are enrolled in preschools and day care facilities across the United States and Canada. With this guide, you’ll be one step ahead in making the most informed decision possible for your child and for your family.