Choosing a child care center sucks. Most working parents don’t know what to look for or ask about, beyond the most obvious.

And West Virginia child care center director, Laura X, who didn’t want to be identified, said parents are often concerned about the wrong things.

What are the things parents should ask about, but don’t, when choosing a child care?

Parents need to ask themselves what would be the best fit for their child. There are lots of facilities that have very structured learning environments. But if your child is more active than some you may want to consider another option. Parents want what’s best for their child, but what is best is not always the facility that will have them memorizing their phone numbers and addresses by the time they are three.

Ask the center about rules!

Parents also need to ask the facility about rules. For example, is outside food allowed, and if so can a birthday treat be home made. Many times I have had parents bring in homemade cupcakes for their child’s birthday and I cannot serve them because of a no home-mades rule. They should also ask:

Parents often ask about ratios, and curriculum, but not about the details.

What is the thing most parents worry about too much?

Parents worry too much leaving their child crying. Kids cry when parents leave. Having a big drawn out good bye only makes it worse. Give a hug and kiss, say ” I love you” and leave. Your child will be fine. Dragging out good-byes makes it harder on the child, parent and teacher.

What are the top signs of a quality child care center to a professional like yourself?

The top sign of facility would be how clean it is. A dirty facility is a sign that people don’t care about the facility. If they don’t care about the space, they won’t care about your child. But be realistic. As a parent you should recognize how hard it is to keep a clean house with a little one. Think how hard it is with 20. Organized rooms are also important to look for. Toys should be on shelves easy to get to. Labels and pictures of the toys on the shelf to help teach the kids how to clean up is also important. A good playground is also important!

Is turnover among teachers/staff a worry?

Turnover is a universal problem. There are very few career pre-school teachers. The pay is just not enough. Many people take jobs until they find something at an elementary school, or just to save on tuition while their own children are in day care. Everyone knows child care is expensive, but parents would be shocked at how little comes back to the teachers.

Is there a difference in curriculum between child care centers and nursery schools for pre-school aged children?

It is impossible to generalize day cares verses nursery school. Yes there is more “‘free play time” in day care. But day cares are open for longer so there is more time to do a variety of activities.

Nursery schools are typically half day, or even only 3 days a week. So of course a child will have more free play at a day care, because they are there for longer.

Curriculum the same at nursery school and child care

The breakdown of structured learning activity time should be the same no matter what type of facility you choose. Curriculum is based on the abilities of the age group be it at a day care or nursery school.

The name is not important, standards for development are fairly universal. And don’t discredit free play. It is an important element in your child’s development.

Thanks Laura!

Readers: Please tell us what you think is important. Child care providers: What do you think parents should look for?