Our children are the most important people in our lives and usually at the top of our priority list. While many of us wish we could stay home with our children all day, it’s just not possible. The demands of work and other obligations typically require us to be away from our children during the day. When our children aren’t at school and can’t be with us, they need a childcare provider. Choosing the right childcare provider isn’t always easy; to help, here are seven things to consider.

1. Curriculum

Whether they’re in school or in front of the T.V., kids are always learning. Finding a childcare provider with a structured curriculum helps younger kids prepare to enter school. Likewise, older school-aged children benefit from a curriculum that reinforces what they’re learning at school.

2. Classroom

There are a couple of things to look for when examining a childcare provider’s rooms. The first is cleanliness and organization. Rooms that are clean and organized promote good health and minimize injury risks. The second thing to look for is the experiences that a room provides. Not all learning is done while listening to a teacher; rooms that have sensory tables, toys, and other things to explore give children the opportunity to learn and develop on their own.

3. Interactions

It’s essential to observe how childcare teachers and staff interact with the kids in their care. Pay particular attention to the manner in which staff treat children who are upset or uncompliant. Knowing how kids and staff interact is essential to knowing whether or not children will have a great experience.

4. Ratio

In some cases, a single child is a handful for even the best childcare providers. Consequently, it’s important to know how many kids there are for every staff member. Childcare providers with smaller ratios allow children to receive more individualized attention and ensure that they’re always someone available to help children when needed.

5. Reputation

Trusting one’s own judgments and impressions is important. However, sometimes observations of childcare providers are made during atypical times. Going online to read reviews and asking friends for recommendations is a great way to determine which childcare providers provide quality services.

None of us should feel comfortable leaving our kids in the hands of strangers. Before enrolling children in a childcare program, research the provider. Learning about childcare providers before signing kids up ensures a high-quality experience for parents, staff, and children.