Best way to find daycare?

SusiePharm

Hi!

Looks like I'm headed back to work!  I'm completely overwhelmed as far as choosing a daycare.  Other than asking friend & family for recommendations, what's the best way to look into local daycares?  Is there a good website you used?  I'll check my local board here on TB, but what else?

 TIA?

niknak7

My state has an agency that assists families in matching them to places, I think broken down into counties. I called up a number and was given a list that met my criteria. They also gave me a list of questions to ask and general info about placing a child in daycare. I then called up my top choices and set up interviews. So maybe your state/county has something similar?

EMOmamma

My state has an online search for licensed day cares. Check your state or county human services.

LoCarb

Ditto state website for licensed and registered facilities and in-home.  Try a google search.

wychets

I would advise to make a list of a few daycares and tour them each day, at least that's what worked for me.

Breezy8407

We have a state and county service here.

Once you find some that have openings, take a couple tours a day if you can. For us it made it easier to remember details and compare. Bring a list of questions and ask them. 

kristinc01

Using the internet for places is always good.  I went with a center, so I could do some research online before calling them up, usually rates and hours are listed.  If I was looking for in-home I would probably want more personal recommendations so I would send out a facebook or text message saying I'm looking for recommendations for a DC in _____ part of town and see what your "friends" come back with.  I believe my church office also has a list of in-home daycares in the area. 

saraboston

I found my current DC on metrodaycare.com. I searched by zipcode and it puts them all on a map (home DCs and centers)--that way I started with the most convenient places and based on phone calls/availability/interviews, worked my way out until I found the perfect place.