Parents & Families
Child Care Aware is here to support parents and families with the resources you need. From finding quality child care to accessing community resources, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate every step of your parenting journey.
Tips for Choosing Childcare
Choosing child care is important, so start early and visit providers to ask about safety, education, and accreditation. Review reports before deciding, and stay involved through meetings and activities to help create a supportive environment for your child.
What to Look For
The way caregivers interact with children shapes their development, so finding a nurturing, attentive professional is essential. Observe caregivers in action—do they engage with children, respect their needs, and create a safe, welcoming environment? Thoughtful interactions and a supportive setting make all the difference.
Criteria to Check For
If at all possible, before making your program choice, observe caregivers interacting with children during the day. Parents can learn a lot about a program simply by watching. Here are some specific criteria to look for and ask about when visiting a child care program:
What training do staff have in infant-toddler development?
Do caregivers engage with children by speaking, singing, and reading to them?
Do caregivers answer and ask questions to encourage learning?
Are babies allowed to follow their natural eating and sleeping rhythms?
For toddlers, is a visual schedule posted to help them anticipate daily activities?
Are toys and materials organized for easy access and exploration?
Can caregivers accommodate the special needs of children?
Is the environment adapted for children’s special needs?
Do caregivers respect diverse languages, cultures, and family values?
Are the caregiver’s approaches to discipline, weaning, and feeding aligned with your beliefs?
Does the caregiver handle conflicts calmly without shaming or anger?
Does the caregiver seem to enjoy working with children?
Are you welcome to visit at any time?
Would you feel comfortable leaving your child there?
Is the environment safe, clean, and well-maintained?
Is the setting pleasant, with comfortable lighting and noise levels?
Is the space welcoming to parents as active advocates for their children?
Get Our Childcare Checklist
Resources
We connect parents to resources through the Office of Early Childhood, which ensures families have access to safe, high-quality care and nurturing environments that prepare children for success.
Did You Lose Your Class Certificate?
Need a replacement for your parent class certificate? No problem! Replacement certificates are $6 online or $5 in person. If the billing name differs from the certificate name, or if you never received your original certificate, contact us at 479-899-6374 or info@nwachildcare.com.