Choosing Quality Child Care

Choosing care is an important decision for families, and there are several options available. You can search for child care near your home or work on MyChildCare.Ca.Gov. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may choose any of the following options to help you make the best decision for your child and family.

You can also download this helpful Keys to Quality Child Care Checklist to take with you on your journey.

Ask Yourself Some Questions: 

• Does the child care environment look safe and appropriate for the age of your child?
• Do the caregivers/teachers seem to enjoy talking and playing with the children?
• Are the children spoken to with respect and at eye level?
• Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within reach of the children?
• Listen to the sounds of the child care setting. What do you hear?
  • A place that is too quiet may mean there is not enough activity to keep the children engaged.
  • A place that is too noisy may indicate a lack of adult control.
• Do the children sound happy and involved?
• What about the teacher’s voices? Are they cheerful and patient?
• How do the teachers react when a child cries?
• Count the number of children and child care staff in the group.
  • The fewer the number of children for each adult, the more attention your child will get.
  • A small ratio of children to adults is especially vital for the health and safety of babies and younger children.
• In California, the basic requirements are:
  • 1 adult: 6 children (may include up to 3 infants)
  • 1 adult: 8 children (may include up to 2 infants and must include at least 2 children over the age of six)
  • 2 adults: 14 children (may include up to 3 infants and must include at least 2 children over the age of six)