Wondering How You Find Child Care? We Can Help!
Finding child care is one of the most important decisions families make—and one of the hardest. Many Georgia parents aren’t sure where to start their child care search, while others feel stressed by long waitlists, rising costs, and uncertainty about what questions to ask when evaluating child care programs. While finding your ideal early learning and care program can be a frustrating and angst-inducing process, what matters most is finding a safe, nurturing place where your child can learn and grow -- and where your family feels supported.
The good news: you don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ve worked with child care providers and families for more than 40 years and will give you our best advice to help your search.
Start with what matters most to your family
Before you begin your search, take a few minutes to think about your family’s needs. Consider location and commute time, hours of operation, does the child care program closes for holidays or school breaks, and tuition and fees. Think about your child’s individual needs, such as food allergies, language development, or extra support with behavior or learning. Knowing your priorities can help narrow your options and make the process feel more manageable.
Use Georgia’s trusted child care tools
In Georgia, licensed child care programs can be found through tools managed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). These tools allow families to search for child care by location, age group, and program type, and to see whether a provider participates in Quality Rated, Georgia’s system for improving and recognizing child care quality. If your child is four years old or will be four by the eligibility date of September 1, be sure to include Georgia’s Pre-K Program in your search. Georgia Pre-K offers free, high-quality preschool at select public schools and child care centers across the state.
If you want help talking through your options, you can call the Quality Rated Family Support Call Center at 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254). You’ll speak with a real person who can help answer questions and guide you through the next steps.
What to notice when you visit a program
Always visit the programs you are considering, as a visit can tell you a lot. As you observe, notice how teachers talk with children. Are they kind, patient, and engaged at children’s eye level? Do classrooms feel safe, clean, and welcoming? Are children actively playing, talking, and exploring? Also, pay attention to how you feel. A strong program welcomes families, encourages questions, and values partnership.
Questions to ask when choosing an early learning and care program
Safety and health: How are drop-off and pick-up handled? What happens when children become sick at school? How does the program communicate injuries or concerns?
Teachers and staffing: What training do teachers receive? How long do staff typically stay with the child care program? What happens when a teacher is sick?
Classroom size: How many children and adults are in each classroom throughout the day?
Learning and routines: What does a typical day look like? How does the program support early literacy, language, and social skills through play and daily routines?
Play/free time: How much time do children receive daily for free play? How much outdoor time do the children receive? Where do the children play in- and outside?
Behavior guidance: How do teachers help children manage big feelings and challenging behavior?
Family communication: How will you receive updates about your child’s day? How does the program work with families when questions or concerns come up? Does the program have special programs that engage families?
Snacks and meals: Does the program provide all snacks and meals? Do parents contribute to snacks or are there any additional fees? How does the program handle food allergies or children who are vegetarian?
Tuition and fees: How much is tuition for your child and does the cost increase or decrease depending on your child’s age? Does tuition cover all hours or is there a cost for “afterschool?” When is tuition due each month? Are there any scholarships you can apply for or other suggestions on how to reduce your child’s tuition?
You don’t have to figure this out alone
Choosing child care takes time, and it’s okay to ask questions, take notes, and trust your instincts. With the right information and support, you can find a place where your child is safe, valued and receives the care and learning that enables them to thrive.
