How To Choose A Day Care Center in NYC

Targeting centers
—Ask for referrals from friends, family and co-workers.  And start early, three months in advance if possible.

—Do your homework.  Make sure the centers you are looking at are licensed (see below).

—Think about what you want in a day care center — a place for your child to experience socialization, a place for your child to begin learning, or a combination of both?

—Call the centers to make an appointment to drop by.  Ask for an appointment while classes are in session so that you can observe the children and the teachers.

—Plan your appointment for the beginning or the end of the day if possible so that you can engage other parents in conversation.  Ask what they like or dislike about the place where their child is enrolled.  Other parents are generous sharers!

At your appointment
—Look at all areas, both indoors and out — classrooms, common rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, play areas. 

—Are the areas clean and free of safety hazards? Are toys and equipment clean and maintained?

—Observe the children at play. Does it gel with what you want for your child?

—Are there adequate supplies — games, toys and books, plus free-form play materials?

—Is every child supervised at all times?
 
—Double check hours of operation. Ask about extended hour options. Ask about policy — what happens if you are late in picking up your child?

—Ask for a list of public holiday/religious holiday schedules/possible closures.

—What is the center’s policy on snow days?

—If your child requires medication, check to make sure the center is permitted to administer. Not all are.