Five Questions to Ask When Choosing Child Care

Choosing the right child care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your family. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to begin—or what to look for.

That’s where we come in. Not only do we offer free child care referrals tailored to your family’s needs, but we also empower you with the right questions to ask so you can feel confident in your choice.

Here are 5 key questions to guide your child care search:

1. What’s Your Daily Routine?

Understanding a provider’s typical day helps you know what your child will experience. Ask about nap times, play activities, outdoor time, meals, and learning opportunities.

2. How Do You Handle Safety and Emergencies?

Ask about staff training in CPR and first aid, emergency plans, and how the provider keeps children safe indoors and outdoors.

3. What Are Your Staff Qualifications and Ratios?

The experience and education of the caregivers matter. So does the number of children each caregiver is responsible for. Lower ratios generally mean more individual attention.

4. How Do You Communicate with Parents?

Some providers offer daily reports, photo updates, or regular check-ins. Find out how and how often they communicate with families.

5. What’s Your Approach to Behavior and Discipline?

Make sure the provider’s philosophy aligns with your own. Ask how they handle challenging behavior, teach social skills, and support emotional development.

Need Help Getting Started?

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our free referral service connects you with licensed child care providers that match your specific needs—location, budget, child’s age, and more.

We also provide guidance on the child care subsidy assistance program, helping you explore whether your family may qualify for financial help and completing the application.

Let us help you ask the right questions and find the right care. Reach out today to get your free personalized child care referrals. 

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

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Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
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