Finding the right daycare is like finding a needle in a haystack, especially since daycare plays such an influential role in a child’s formative years.

You want to be sure that your child is getting the right care, from the right people, in the right setting. This can result in days of researching “daycare near me” and many visits to different daycares. 

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid doing your research. After all, it is for the benefit of your child. However, there are some key steps to follow when choosing the right daycare.

Let’s dive right in.

Child Care Near Me: Preparing in Advance

There is an insanely high demand for care providers in the U.S. More than 59% of children aged 5 and younger in America require at least one weekly non-parental care arrangement. Depending on where you live, demand may be even higher, which means that finding the right daycare can be even more stressful. 

This is why it’s important to give yourself sufficient time to explore your options and research local daycares. If you plan on enrolling your child in daycare, you should begin your research at least two months before you plan on needing the services. This will allow you to analyze and vet daycares properly beforehand.

NC Daycare: Choosing the Right Facility

Before beginning your search for a daycare facility, you’ll want to ensure that you’re choosing the right type of facility for your child’s needs.

There are a variety of childcare facilities out there, which we will cover shortly. Keep in mind that you should be weighing the pros and cons of each facility based on their description. 

Consider which facility would most benefit your child and your schedule. From there, you can determine which facilities are available near you and choose the right NC daycare for your child.

The following are types of facilities you’d find if you Googled daycare near me. 

Family Child Care Homes

Family child care homes feature providers who care for a small group of children in a residential building. More often than not, two caregivers may be offered in non-traditional hours.

Therefore, if your work schedule often fluctuates, this may be the right choice for you.

Childcare Center

Childcare centers typically group most children by their age and assign them to select classroom-style areas in non-residential buildings. These facilities are usually larger and enroll more children who will be under the supervision of a director and many staff members.

Childcare centers can be owned by an individual, public school, church, or government agency. If you are a parent looking for a classroom-like environment that offers many activities for your children, then a childcare center is the right NC daycare for you. 

Preschool Programs In North Carolina

These facilities are meant for children between the ages of 3-5 years old. These programs are often offered through the school, faith-based organizations, or child care centers. If you want to make your child school-ready, then a preschool program may be the right fit. 

School-Age Programs In North Carolina

These facilities specialize in before-and-after school care. In many cases, school-age programs offer care during school breaks and holidays. This type of care is often offered by local schools and organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. 

Family, Friend, or Neighbor Care In North Carolina

This type of care is offered in the child or caregiver’s home by a friend, relative, or neighbor. This type of care is exempt from regulations and doesn’t need to meet any health standards or training standards. However, you will often get the care you require given that the caregiver is a close friend or relative.

How to Find a North Carolina Child Care? Reach Out

If you’re wondering how to find a daycare, you’ll first want to prepare in advance and determine which type of facility would benefit your child’s needs most. After you have that squared away, start to reach out!

Contact Wonderschool to find the right child care for you.