Choosing childcare can feel a bit like starting a big adventure, one filled with new places, new faces, and lots of big decisions. The good news? Your pediatrics team is here to help you every step of the way. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow roadmap to help you find the best childcare fit for your family.
Exploring Different Types of Childcare Options
When it comes to choosing a child or infant care provider, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right fit for your family depends on factors such as cost, location, classroom size, accommodations, and specialized services. Childcare options may be run by schools, universities, churches, independent providers, employers, hospitals, and the military. There are also specialized childcare centers for children with medical or developmental needs.
Here’s an overview of the types of settings where childcare is provided:
Family Childcare Homes
Smaller home-based settings run by 1–2 caregivers. This is a great option for kids who thrive in smaller, cozy, family-style environments.
Center-Based Childcare
Run by multiple caregivers with larger groups of children separated by ages. This is ideal for kids who enjoy more socialization and structured daily routines.
Nannies or Au Pairs
This is usually one caregiver that comes into your home to take care of your child. If your family has individual needs and needs more flexibility with hours, this is a good option for you.
Specialized Childcare
Medical daycare center or Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) is for children with medical, technological, or developmental needs who need specialized nursing care and rehabilitation needs.
Many centers support children with developmental delays, physical disabilities, feeding needs, behavioral differences, and mobility support.
Inclusive childcare centers also specialize in working with neurodivergent children and offer accommodations tailored just for them.
What to Look for in Every Child and Day Care Setting
Every childcare center and caregiver should be focused on nurturing children and helping them explore the world through play in a safe and secure environment. Here are some things every childcare center should have.
| Care Focus | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on Safety | • Clean, up‑to‑date environments • Childproofing everywhere it matters • Clear, practiced emergency plans • Safe sleep practices • Secure entrances and exits • Proper credentials and licensing of the facility and caregivers |
| Food Preferences and Allergies | • Respect for your family’s dietary choices • Strong policies for protecting children with food allergies • Flexible feeding plans |
| Great Communication | • Daily updates about your child • Systems for sharing children’s preferences between caregivers • Openness to questions, feedback, and family practices • Respect for cultural differences • A communication plan for emergencies • Sick, late, and vacation policies in place |
| Plenty of Playtime | • Warm, nurturing caregivers who genuinely enjoy children • Indoor and outdoor play spaces • Opportunities for creative, independent, and cooperative play • A variety of clean, safe toys |
Great Questions to Ask During Childcare Tours
Touring your prospective child care center allows you to observe how staff interact with children, assess safety and cleanliness firsthand, ask important questions, and trust your instincts about whether it’s the right environment for your family. To make the most of your visit, bring this list of questions to help guide you in how to choose a daycare and ask away!
- What training and certifications do your caregivers have?
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you handle medical needs?
- What is the policy if a child gets sick?
- What is the staff-to-child ratio?
- How do staff communicate with parents or healthcare providers?
- How do you support children with sensory or communication differences?
- How do you respond when a child is upset?
- What are your hours of operation?
- What are your fees and do you expect changes?
The Magic of Early Intervention
Unlike PPEC specialized childcare, which provides intensive nursing care for medically complex children in certain states, early intervention services are available nationwide and support infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have or are at risk for developmental delays.
In the U.S., early intervention services are provided through state programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C, typically at no cost to families. That’s because the brain develops more rapidly from birth to age 3 than at any other time, so early intervention in childcare helps avoid developmental delays altogether or it helps prevent them from becoming more serious as children get closer to school age.
Here’s what early intervention offers young children and families:
- Available in every state and families do not need a diagnosis to request an evaluation.
- Common services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
- Support can be provided in your home or at your child care center.
- Plans are personalized to boost your child’s communication, movement, play skills and overall development.
Trust Your Instincts
Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, cared for, and confident. With the right information (and a little intuition), you’ll find the perfect fit. Choosing the right care for your child and family is a major decision, and it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Here’s a state-by-state resource guide from Child Care Aware® of America that helps families find out what programs are available in their area, including more information on licensing and inspection reports.
Take your time, ask questions and trust your gut.
And remember: Your pediatrician is always a great resource.
Additional Resources
HealthyChildren.org
An American Academy of Pediatrics guide to Choosing a Child Care Center offers expert advice on what to look for in child care settings, questions to ask, and safety considerations.
ChildCare.gov
A federal resource to help families explore childcare options, understand state-specific requirements, and locate licensed providers in their area.
Written by: Ashley Dyck, a second-year pediatric resident at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
