Choosing The Right Daycare: A How-To Guide

Choosing the right childcare can feel overwhelming, but there’s great satisfaction in finding the best childcare fit and confidence in the childcare provided.

Here are some beginning steps to choosing childcare.

Learn the Types of Childcare 

There is more than one option for childcare. You could hire a friend or nanny, or enroll in home childcare or daycare. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of childcare. Only you know your child and lifestyle best, so evaluating your needs and budget will help determine which childcare option to pursue. 

Crestwood Preschool Academy is one of the top childcare options in the Crestwood area. Our highly-skilled teachers provide outstanding care and early childhood education.

Make a List of Options

Next, make a list of potential childcare options. You can do this by using a search page or with ChildCare.gov

Write down the location, operating hours, cost, and inspection records. Make a Pro/Con list for each option and arrange them by first to last preference. As you continue to research, cross a facility off your list once the cons outweigh the pros.

Investigate Each Option

Starting with your highest preference, continue to investigate each option:

  • License: Check the facility’s license status, as these are updated annually. Also, check if the facility has ever had a license revoked or suspended, as this could be a red flag.
  • Inspection Reports: Dive deeper into the inspection reports. Check if the facility had any health or safety violations and if the facility fixed them. 
  • Ratings: Read customer reviews and ratings to see others’ experiences at the facility. You should also be able to view any complaints. 

After further investigation, you may find that you can cross off more options or even rearrange your preference list.

Contact and Visit Each Option

With your revised preference list, contact each facility through email or phone. Have a list of questions ready, such as:

  • Availability
  • Confirming full-time and part-time prices
  • How illnesses, medications, and first-aid situations are handled
  • School closure policies
  • Disciplinary measures

If the childcare option gives satisfactory answers, then arrange a visit. Some websites (like ours!) give virtual tours, but seeing the childcare facility in person is best. Then you will know how to get there, the surrounding area, and whether you like the atmosphere of the building and staff. 

Make a Final Decision

Unless your decision is time-sensitive, give yourself a few days before making a final decision. Discuss your findings with your partner, friend, or family member. Arrange a second visit if you’d like to ask more questions or see the facility again.

Crestwood Preschool Academy is proud to offer an outstanding educational and fun curriculum that prepares your child for kindergarten per state academic standards.

Contact Crestwood Preschool Academy today if you’re looking to give your child a head start in school!

What’s Next

Crestwood Is One of the Best Areas of East Louisville for Daycares