Leaving your kids at a day care center or under the care of a babysitter is one of the hardest things parents face. Parents of every description often feel overwhelmed as they seek reasonable and affordable child care. There are many resources to answer these needs and you have a number
 of options when seeking quality care. Here are some tips:

Here are six signs that your child is receiving quality child care:

1. Your child shows you lots of artwork or projects on which he has been working. Not only does this mean he’s busy, but also it means he’s being supervised.

2. Your child is so involved in what he is doing that he doesn’t want you to take him home.

3. The provider asks you numerous questions: where you can be reached, who your child’s doctor is, what kinds of allergies your child has, whether your child requires a special diet, and so on. Also, the provider is not necessarily being nosy if she queries you about your relationship with your child’s father. Smart babysitters don’t want a disgruntled, estranged ex scouting around their property. Be sure you feel comfortable enough with the provider to disclose your situation.

4. The child care center has the following combination: low staff/child ratios, small group size, recommended caregiver qualifications, and well-planned activities and enrichment programs.

5. You feel you have established a rapport with the caregiver. Because a single parent does not have the other parent as a backup, the most important backup person in your daily life is the caregiver. It’s a good sign when you and the caregiver are able to work together.

6. Television is used as a learning tool only, and the set is only tuned in to a public television station or a cable channel specifically geared toward kids.

Following are warning signs that may indicate a problem:

1. The baby sitter makes you drop off or retrieve your child at her doorstep. The day care center does not allow drop-in visits.

2. The television set is always blaring.

3. The children look tired, forlorn, confused, or sad.

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