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Choosing Care Checklist

Use our free online search tool on ParentAware.org to choose from more than 12,000 licensed child care and early education
programs in Minnesota.

  • Adjust criteria like location, hours of operation, and ages served to get customized results.
  • Some programs also share current openings and rates. 

Personalized help is available by calling 888.291.9811 or by using the website’s chat feature.

2: Reach Out

After you have identified possible programs, call to check for openings and find out if the cost and schedule will meet your needs. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself and ask questions, especially if your child has specific needs.

  • Do they offer part-time or rotating schedules (if needed)?
  • Do they offer any financial assistance such as scholarships, multi-child discounts, or sliding fee rates?
  • Do they require a deposits

3: Check References and Records

Help with this process is available by calling 888.291.9811.

4: Visit Programs

You may want to first schedule a tour and then make a second visit to introduce your child and see how they interact with the caregiver and other children. On the following pages are some of the factors you can use to help you compare child care programs.

Relationships

Children's brains develop best when they have caring and consistent relationships with caregivers.

Questions: What is the turnover rate for the people who will be caring for my child? How do you deal with difficult behavior?

What to Look For: Adults should be consistent, kind, and patient, and know children's likes and dislikes. They should spend time talking and listening to each child. Early educators should deal with difficult behavior in a positive way, rather than yelling at or punishing children.

Education and Experience

Early childhood educators with education and experience in early childhood have a better understanding of the developmental needs of young children.

Questions: Do you (and/or your staff) understand child development and have specific education and training? How many years of experience do you/they have?

What to Look For: Licensed child care providers are required to complete training annually. Parent Aware Rated programs and those who have national accreditations complete additional training each year. Early childhood educators may also have degrees or credentials in Early Childhood Education or related fields.

Group Size

Children cared for in small groups can receive the attention they need from adults.

Questions: Have many children will be cared for along with my child? What are your supervision policies for inside and outside activities?

What to Look For: Group sizes in licensed child care* are regulated by the State of Minnesota. The number of children that someone can legally care for depends on the age of the children; younger children require more care.

Health and Safety

A safe and clean environment supports child health. All licensed programs are required to meet basic health safety standards.

Questions: Have all child care providers had criminal background checks? Is there an emergency plan, for situations such as severe weather, fires, and floods?

What to Look For: The program space should be clean and appealing, with toys, equipment, and books easily available and in good condition. There should be space for active play, and play equipment should be in good condition and over a soft surface as sand, mulch, or rubber matting.

Planned Activity

Having some planned activities and a daily routine helps children feel secure and supports their development.

Questions: What does a typical day look like? Does the program ever take field trips or do enrichment activities? How often will my child read to?

What to Look For: There should be many different activities available for children, such as story time, singing, games, dress-up play, building toys, and outdoor time. Some programs use a curriculum; others may not use a formal curriculum but still support children's kindergarten readiness in many ways.

Track Development

Regular Assessments of a child's development can help identify their strengths and challenges

Questions: How is child development measured? What happens at parent conferences?

What to Look For: Early childhood educators should be respectful of each child's unique background. Activities that teach about similarities and differences in realistic, positive ways help children learn to value and respect themselves. and others.

Respect for All Families

Programs should address bias and support the cultures of all families. 

Questions: Will my child see their language and culture reflected in program materials, toys, and books? Are there materials available that help children learn about people from different cultures? 

What to Look For: Early childhood educators should be respectful of each child’s unique background. Activities that teach about similarities and differences in realistic, positive ways help children learn to value and respect themselves and others.

Communication

Parents and early educators should communicate daily about children’s well-being. Children are constantly growing and changing, so sharing information is essential. 

Question: How do you communicate information to parents?

What to Look For: Children are constantly growing and changing, so sharing information is essential. Bulletin boards, notes, or a conversation at the end of each day are all ways a program can keep you updated.

5. Make Your Choice

Be sure to confirm your start date with your chosen program and complete any requested paperwork.

6. Help Your Child with the Transition

Ask the program about steps they would recommend for your child.

7. Stay Involved

You are the best judge of whether a program is working for your child. As children grow, their needs change. Programs may also change over time. This is why it’s important to evaluate your choice of care regularly.

Here are some ways to stay involved and informed: 

Make unexpected visits

Programs should welcome parent visits at any time, but keep in mind that certain times of the day are very busy.

Take your time

When dropping off or picking up your child, make time to occasionally stay a little longer.

Change times

Picking up your child at the same time every day is a great way to build a routine for your child. However, changing pick-up times occasionally allows you to see different aspects of your child’s day.

Volunteer

Helping with special events or field trips is a fun way to bond with your child and is also a chance to interact with your child’s caregivers.

Arrange a conference

Setting up a meeting or phone conversation is a chance to talk about your child, ask questions, or express concerns.

Meet new people

Get to know the child care professionals, staff, or volunteers who may be spending time with your child. 

 

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