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When to Start Your Daycare Search

By New Horizon Academy

As a new parent, you will have many decisions to make. From birth to feeding to sleep and everything in between, it can be overwhelming to understand the options and determine the best choice for you and your child. 

When and how to choose childcare is one such decision. When you should start looking at daycare options? And how do you know which is right for your family? As a new parent, you may not know what questions to ask. To make it easier, New Horizon Academy created a quality childcare checklist to help parents know what to look for when touring daycare centers.

Download the Quality Childcare Checklist

Continue reading for a few tips from New Horizon Academy on when to start the daycare search. To learn more about New Horizon Academy’s high-quality infant, toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten programs, visit newhorizonacademy.net. 

When to Start Touring Daycare Centers

There is a common belief that all childcare centers have months- or years-long waiting lists, especially for infant care rooms. While this is true at many daycares, it’s not necessarily the case. However, it’s a good idea to begin your daycare search as early as possible in order to secure a spot and give yourself peace of mind that you have childcare lined up.

Here are a few additional factors to consider as you decide when to start looking for daycare.

  1. What is your child’s due date or birthdate?

This will give providers a general idea of your child’s start date. Most childcare centers will ask a birthdate or due date in order to determine availability and give you more information about the specific program your child will enroll in.

  1. When is your estimated start date?

If you’re expecting a new baby, this may be the date on which you plan to return to work. For older children, you should factor in the notice required at your current daycare, or any other circumstances that will determine your child’s start date.

  1. How many childcare providers are in your area?

Are there several childcare options with wide availability? Or are daycare spots limited and competitive? This will determine how early you’ll need to begin your search. 

  1. Are you familiar with childcare and your local daycare options?

How much do you know about local providers? Will you need to spend significant time researching the options, or do you have a good idea about which daycare providers are more reputable and recommended? 

How to Choose a Daycare Center for Your Infant, Toddler or Preschooler

Depending your knowledge of local providers, spend some time doing research about your options. Ask friends and family for recommendations, read reviews, and look up licensing records. Then, contact centers and set up tours. 

Ultimately, touring different schools is the best way to determine which is the right choice for your family. Make sure you visit as many centers as you need to until you feel like you’ve found one that fully meets your needs!

There are a few things to consider as you tour daycare centers:

For more, download the Quality Childcare Checklist. Bring it along to tours and ask questions. With so many wonderful childcare options in Colorado, you’re sure to find a daycare center that is a good fit for your family.

About New Horizon Academy

New Horizon Academy is a nationally recognized childcare and early learning provider with 100 schools in Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, and Kansas. Through a play-based curriculum and high-quality daycare, New Horizon Academy schools nurture and prepare children to succeed in school and life.
With seven schools throughout the Denver area (and more coming soon!), there is a New Horizon Academy in your neighborhood. Schedule a tour to learn more about New Horizon Academy’s highly trained teachers, safe and secure facilities, and commitment to providing the highest quality care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-k children.