Group daycare centres vary greatly in size, location, environment and the style and quality of the care provided.

Use a consumer approach during your search. You are purchasing a valuable service and should assess your needs and expectations together with the quality of care, to make an informed decision.

Tips on choosing a daycare centre

Conduct a pre-screening check. You can save yourself time and energy—which are both things you are undoubtedly short of—by pre-screening a number of different centres before short-listing the ones you will visit.

• Is the location convenient for your home, office, child's school or other family members?
• What is the ratio of children to staff members?
• What ages of children do they accommodate?
• What are the hours? Do they offer flexible or extended hours?
• Do they have vacancies?
• What is the cost?

Take a tour. You will probably want to visit several different facilities before making a firm decision. You may be feeling pressure from your employer or temporary child care provider, but don't rush into a hasty choice. Take the time to review your options carefully to make sure they fit all your needs.

Questions to ask:

• What experience and qualifications do the staff have?

• Is there always someone available with up-to-date first aid training?

• What is the staff/child ratio? Is each child given some individual attention?

• What is the staff turnover rate?

• Is each staff member assigned to one group of children?

• What arrangements are made for rests during the day?

• Does the program include enrichment activities?

• What would be a typical daily routine?

• Is a specific child development theory or teaching method used?

• Is the whole program evaluated on a regular basis?

• Will your child's progress be assessed regularly with plans developed for his or her needs?

• Will your receive regular reports on your child's progress? Will you have opportunities to share progress and goals from home?

• How is discipline handled?

• What will happen if your child is ill?

• Is there a procedure for handling an injury?

• What happens when a child has an infectious illness?

• What professional development choices are available to the staff? Do they participate regularly?

• What will happen if you are unexpectedly late to collect your child? Are there overtime charges?

• Will they provide you with names of other parents to call for references?

Things to look for— inside physical setting

• Is it clean, bright and well ventilated?

• Is there sufficient space for the children's activities?

• Are there areas for different activities, such as quiet play or more vigorous activities?

• Is child-sized furniture available?

• Do the children have their own cubby holes or storage areas for sweaters, artwork and notices for parents?

• Are there pleasant and clean areas for eating and sleeping? Does each child have his or her own blanket?

• Is the toilet area clean and accessible?

• Have adequate safety precautions been taken?

• What provisions are made for fire safety? Are the exits well marked? Are there adequate fire and smoke detectors and sprinklers?

• Is there a first aid box?

Things to look for—outside physical setting

• Is there a safe and pleasant outdoor play area?
• Is there a variety of playground equipment? Is it well maintained?
• Is the area safely fenced off?
• Is there space to run around, ride bikes and sit quietly?

The children

• Do the children look relaxed and content?
• Do they appear physically well cared for? Are they helped with nose wiping, washing and dressing?
• Do the children seem busy and involved?
• Does staff deal with bullying quickly?
• How is the noise level? Is it quiet at sleep time? Is there laughter and merriment?
• How are the children disciplined?
• Do they seem to have close relationships with the staff?
• Does each child receive proper attention from the caregivers?

Once you have narrowed the selection, you may want to return to your preferred choice for a final check. Depending on your child's personality, you may want to consider taking him or her along for this visit.