Finding good child care is a top priority for many parents across the country.  It's quite daunting to think about leaving your child in the custody of a stranger for several hours, but if you make the right choice, you can have a bit more peace of mind.  When you need to find someone to watch your child each day, use this information to learn more about what to look for in a quality child care facility.

Intellectual Stimulation Is Important

One of the first signs that an individual or child care facility will provide a good environment for your child is the introduction of some sort of educational curriculum.  You want to select a center where the intellectual needs of your child are addressed so that they won't be merely spending hours at rest or at play.

The person you choose to keep your child should have an age appropriate curriculum that is administered on a daily basis.  This could be one-on-one instruction, or even arts and crafts.  There just needs to be some indication that your child will be doing something educational that will help to stimulate them intellectually.

When you are checking out prospective child care workers, ask them to show you the learning module of a sample day.  If they can't readily produce some sort of teaching unit, or an example of some of the educational work done by current students, it's a good chance that your child will merely be going to a babysitter, rather than a place where they can both learn and be cared for.

Look For Shared Child Care Philosophy

Another vital point to remember when looking for good child care is the importance of choosing someone who holds similar rearing philosophies to yours.  Failing to do this could lead to many arguments with your child care provider, which could become quite heated.

For example, find out how the child care worker feels about discipline.  It's inevitable that your child will at some point do something that will require correction.  Does the child care worker believe in corporal punishment?  Or do they take the "timeout" approach?  Also, what are their views on appropriate snacks. Do they feed the children sugar-laden sweets?  Or is the facility all organic?  Finding this information out up front can keep you from dealing with major disagreements on the back end.

Finding the right child care facility doesn't have to be difficult if you know what to do.  When you're ready for a new provider, use this information so you make the right choice.