Now is also a good time to begin scoping out potential child care providers. Your best source of leads for good child care is other moms in your life who share your values and viewpoints on child rearing. Then narrow down your list of facilities based on the answers to the following questions. You should visit and observe children at any facility you are considering for your own child.

1. Does the facility have adequate staffing? (For infants, this is generally a minimum of one provider to every three babies.)

2. Does the facility provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment?

3. What is the staff like? (Are they caring and nurturing, or do they seem to be distracted or overburdened?)

4. Is the facility properly licensed and accredited? (See the Web site of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org, if you are unsure.)

5. Is an adequate number of the staff specially trained for early childhood care?

6. Do the children in the program seem comfortable and happy?

7. Are parents allowed to observe when their child is in the program?

8. Does the program focus on emotional, cognitive, and physical development in activities?

9. Does the staff provide adequate individual attention to infants?