Early childhood education is the foundation for the next generation—and choosing the right child care provider can feel overwhelming. With so many options—child care centers, home-based providers, or faith-based programs—how do you know which one is right for your family?
As someone who has opened two employee-based child care centers, I’ve helped countless families navigate this decision. Over the years, I’ve found that five key questions make all the difference. If a provider answers them before you even have to ask—that’s a sign of a high-quality program. If they don’t, it’s worth asking yourself if this is really the level of care you want for your child.
Remember: you’re in the driver’s seat. Your child’s care is your most prized investment, and setting high standards now will impact not only your child’s development, but your family life as a whole.
Here are the five questions every parent should ask before enrolling their child in care:
1. Are You Licensed by the State?
A licensed provider means accountability. Through your state’s Department of Family and Social Services (or similar agency), child care programs are monitored to ensure health, safety, and developmental standards. Licensing covers everything from staff-to-child ratios and cleaning protocols to meal quality and outdoor play.
Beyond licensing, many states offer voluntary quality rating systems (in Indiana, it’s called Paths to QUALITY). Programs that participate go above and beyond, often holding national accreditations, hiring more qualified staff, and reinvesting additional funds into their classrooms. If you see a provider who participates in these programs, take note—they’re raising the bar.
2. How Will I Receive My Child’s Daily Report?
Daily communication matters. At the very least, you should receive updates on meals, rest times, diapering, and any incidents. But high-quality providers go further by using apps that include photos, curriculum notes, and snapshots of your child’s day.
This not only helps you feel connected—it also allows you to talk with your child about specific activities at home. Ask if the provider also offers newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, or family events to keep you engaged. And if possible, check in with another parent already enrolled to confirm the provider follows through on their promises.
3. What Is Your Discipline Strategy?
Let’s be real: kids push boundaries—it’s part of growing up! The question is, how does the provider respond?
Quality programs use consistent, loving guidance. Look for redirection strategies such as:
- Getting on the child’s level
- Offering alternatives (like a teether when a child wants to bite)
- Modeling calm, respectful behavior
Ask how ongoing challenges are handled. You should expect clear notes on daily reports, conversations at pickup, and—if needed—action plans developed with you before suspension or expulsion is even considered.
Put yourself in another parent’s shoes: if another child’s behavior was disrupting your child’s classroom, wouldn’t you want it addressed thoughtfully but firmly?
4. What Are Your Staff’s Qualifications?
The right staff makes all the difference. Regulations require minimum credentials, but higher-quality programs often employ lead teachers with Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, associate’s, or bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education.
Staff should also be CPR/First Aid certified, background checked, and committed to ongoing training. In larger centers, ask about the organizational flow—who is your main point of contact? In smaller, home-based programs, that may be the owner or director themselves.
And don’t be shy: do your research. Look up staff online, ask questions, and trust your instincts. These are the people shaping your child’s day-to-day experiences.
5. How Will My Child Grow in Your Program?
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: happy, thriving kids. But growth looks different in early childhood.
Instead of obsessing over ABCs and 123s, focus on whether the program emphasizes social-emotional development. Do children learn to share, solve problems, and express themselves? Are transitions to new classrooms based on age or readiness? Is there a preschool curriculum in place to build a strong foundation?
A quality program will reassure you that academics come naturally when kids are ready—but resilience, kindness, and confidence are the skills that last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
The right child care provider is out there—and asking these five questions will help you find them. Doing the legwork now means less stress later, giving you more energy to enjoy the moments that matter most with your child.
Every family is unique, so adjust these questions to fit your needs. By holding providers to high standards, you’re setting your child up for success and creating a practically perfect environment where they can thrive.
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