Child care: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What child care is

Child care means a provider supervises children in a home or center, offering meals, play and learning activities and routines suited to their ages. Working families use it for regular care.

Signs you need it

  • You are returning to work and need regular care
  • You want a structured day with other children
  • You need before- or after-school care
  • Your child needs a safe place with a set routine
  • You want a program with activities and meals

What the pro does

  • A tour or visit and a conversation about your child
  • Enrollment paperwork, health information and emergency contacts
  • Daily care with meals, play, rest and learning activities
  • Daily updates to parents
  • Regular check-ins on how your child is doing

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Hours and days
  • Age of child
  • Home or center based
  • Meals provided
  • Adult to child ratio
  • Additional programs

What a written quote should spell out

  • Hours, days and holidays
  • Meals and snacks
  • Late pickup and cancellation terms
  • Policies on illness, medication and discipline
  • Emergency plan and contacts

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are you licensed, and can I see the license?
  • What is the adult to child ratio?
  • How are staff screened and trained?
  • What is the policy on illness?
  • How do you handle discipline?
  • What is a typical day?

Red flags

  • Cannot show a license when one is required
  • Overcrowded rooms
  • Won't allow visits
  • Vague on discipline
  • No emergency plan

What you can do yourself

You can visit, ask questions and check references. Talk with your child's doctor about health concerns and share allergy plans in writing.

Licenses and permits

Child care providers are commonly licensed or registered by the state or locality, and rules depend on the size and setting. Ask to see the license and check it with your state or local child care licensing agency.

Child care questions

How do I check a provider's license?

Ask for it and verify with your state or local child care agency.

Can I visit unannounced?

Ask the provider about visit policies.

What about illness?

Ask for the written illness policy, including when a child must stay home and how medication is handled.

What should I bring?

Ask the provider for their list. It often includes spare clothes, any medication forms and allergy information.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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