Today's Headlines

If you recently had your first baby you might be thinking about going back to work and finding a good quality daycare for your child. Or, maybe you moved and are searching for a new daycare. Here are some tips on how to find a quality center.

1. Check the teacher/child ratios for each age. Make sure there is one teacher/staff member for every three infants between 6mos and 18mos; 1:4 for children ages 18mos to 2; 1:7 for 2-3-year-olds.

2. Look for small class sizes. The daycare center should have a maximum of six infants per class; eight 18-24-month-olds, and fourteen 2-3-year-olds.

3. Make sure every staff member is certified. All the teachers and administrators should be certified or have a degree in early childhood education or early childhood development.

4. Take a tour and find out if you like the place. Look around and answer these questions. Do the kids look happy? Are infants sleeping on their backs, and older kids being supervised? Would you feel confidant leaving your child there? Do you have a good feeling after leaving?